Hope for Chemotherapy Side Effects: TMU Study Reveals Protective Role of Natural Substances

Professor Shih-Min Hsia, Distinguished Professor and Chair, School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, Taipei Medical University

The article explores the potential of muscular dystrophy being induced by cisplatin, a chemotherapy drug, and potential treatment strategies for this. This study offers critical insights into the mechanisms underlying the adverse effects of chemotherapy in clinical settings.

Cisplatin, a platinum-based chemotherapy agent, is widely applied in treating various cancers. However, one of its adverse effects, muscular dystrophy, can significantly impact patients’ physical performance and reduce their ability to tolerate treatment. This is due to three key factors: abnormal activation of muscle protein degradation pathways; reduced capacity for protein synthesis; and heightened systemic inflammatory responses. When these factors mutually interact, they ultimately lead to rapid loss of muscle quality and quantity.

By compiling intervention studies on molecules and natural substances, the team further identified several promising adjuvant therapies. For example, hormones such as ghrelin and testosterone can activate muscle biosynthetic and metabolic pathways, thereby promoting muscle growth and reducing protein degradation. Natural compounds such as capsaicin, linalool, magnolol, and naringenin helped protect muscle tissue by reducing oxidative stress and suppressing inflammatory responses. Additionally, quercetin and curcumin also demonstrate strong potential for muscle preservation.

The research team stated that the findings not only reveal the potential molecular mechanisms underlying cisplatin-induced muscular dystrophy, but also identify multiple promising therapy strategies. Combining these approaches with existing chemotherapy regimens could significantly improve cancer patients’ physical well-being during treatment by mitigating adverse effects and enhancing quality of life. Supported by a growing body of clinical data, these innovative therapies are expected to enter clinical practice in the near future, offering cancer patients more comprehensive treatment options and ultimately improving overall outcomes.

Natural compounds such as capsaicin, linalool, magnolol, and naringenin provide significant protective effects by reducing oxidative stress and inflammatory responses.