Biochemical Mechanisms and Molecular Interactions of Vitamins in Cancer Therapy

Authors

• Abdullahi T. Aborode, Mississippi State University
• Isreal A. Onifade, University at Albany
• Mercy M. Olorunshola, Binghamton University--SUNY
• Gladys O. Adenikinju, University of Rhode Island
• Ibude J. Aruorivwooghene, University of Kansas Medical Center
• Adeboboye C. Femi, Federal University of Technology, Akure
• Osasere Jude-Kelly Osayawe, Brigham Young University - Provo
• Abraham Osinuga, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
• Ebenezer A. Omojowolo, University of Albany, State University of New York
• Adekunle F. Adeoye, Georgia State University
• Segun Olapade, University of Louisville
• Ibrahim O. Adelakun, University of Albany, State University of New York
• Ogundepo D. Moyinoluwa, Federal University of Technology, Akure
• Oluwatosin M. Adeyemo, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
• Godfred Y. Scott, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
• Ruth A. Ogbonna, Nasarawa State AIDS and STI Control Program
• Emmanuel A. Fajemisin, University of Cape Town
• Omama Ehtasham, Karachi Medical and Dental College
• Soyemi Toluwalashe, Lagos State University College of Medicine
• Adetolase A. Bakre, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
• Ridwan O. Adesola, University of Ibadan, NigeriaFollow
• Seto C. Ogunleye, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
• Nnenna R. Anyanwu, University of Jos
• Terungwa H. Iorkula, Brigham Young University - Provo

ORCID IDs

Osinuga https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2587-8704

Adelakun https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5870-2492

Ogundepo https://orcid.org/0009-0009-8751-8729

Adeyemo https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1234-5239

Scott https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7531-4213

Ehtasham https://orcid.org/0009-0007-4904-4310

Bakre https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8033-4083

Adesola https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7810-5265

Date of this Version

2025

Document Type

Article

Citation

Cancer Parthogenesis and Therapy (2025) 3: 3–15

doi: 10.1016/j.cpt.2024.05.001

Comments

Open access

License: CC BY 4.0

Abstract

Recently, the potential role of vitamins in cancer therapy has attracted considerable research attention. However, the reported findings are inconsistent, with limited information on the biochemical and molecular interactions of different vitamins in various cancer cells. Importantly, the presence of vitamin receptors in tumor cells suggests that vitamins play a significant role in the molecular and biochemical interactions in cancers. Additionally, studies on the efficacy of vitamin supplementation and dosage levels on tumor progression and mortality risk have yielded inconsistent results. Notably, molecular and biochemical investigations have reported the function of vitamins in the proliferation, growth, and invasiveness of tumor cells, as well as in cell cycle arrest and inflammatory signaling. Additionally, different vitamins may regulate the cancer microenvironment by activating various molecular pathways. Vitamins significantly affect immunological function, antioxidant defense, inflammation, and epigenetic control, and can improve treatment outcomes by affecting cell behavior and combating stress and DNA damage. However, further research is necessary to confirm the efficacy of vitamins, establish ideal dosages, and develop effective cancer prevention and treatment plans. Individualized supplementation plans guided by medical knowledge are crucial to achieving optimal results in clinical and preclinical settings. In this review, we critically evaluated the effects of different vitamins on the risk and development of cancer. Additionally, we examined the potential of vitamin supplements to enhance the efficacy of drug therapy and counteract resistance mechanisms that often arise during cancer treatment.