Parthenolide: pioneering new frontiers in hematological malignancies

Hematological malignancies are the fifth most prevalent cancer category in developed countries, presenting significant treatment challenges. The side effects of chemotherapy and its non-selective nature have led researchers to explore combination therapies to enhance efficacy and improve patient out...

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Main Authors: Elmira Zarei, Ayda Zarei, Azadeh Omidkhoda
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-04-01
Series:Frontiers in Pharmacology
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1534686/full
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author Elmira Zarei
Ayda Zarei
Azadeh Omidkhoda
author_facet Elmira Zarei
Ayda Zarei
Azadeh Omidkhoda
author_sort Elmira Zarei
collection DOAJ
description Hematological malignancies are the fifth most prevalent cancer category in developed countries, presenting significant treatment challenges. The side effects of chemotherapy and its non-selective nature have led researchers to explore combination therapies to enhance efficacy and improve patient outcomes. Parthenolide (PTL) emerges as a promising candidate, being the first small molecule identified for its selective action against leukemic stem cells. This article provides an overview of PTL’s effects and its potential as a complementary treatment for hematological malignancies. A systematic search in PubMed, Scopus, Embase and Web of Science identified relevant studies using keywords and MeSH terms. Peer-reviewed studies examining PTL’s mechanisms and therapeutic potential were included, while non-hematological studies and those lacking rigor were excluded. PTL targets key signaling pathways to combat malignancy, inhibiting NF-κB and signal transducer and STAT3, promoting ROS production, and activating p53. These mechanisms contribute to its effectiveness in treating hematological malignancies. Approaches incorporating PTL or its derivatives show promise in increasing leukemic cell sensitivity to existing therapies and reducing resistance likelihood. Additionally, studies indicate that other drugs can synergistically enhance PTL’s ability to eliminate leukemic cells. In conclusion, PTL represents a promising avenue for improving therapeutic outcomes in hematological malignancies, warranting further investigation into its mechanisms and potential in combination therapies.
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spelling doaj-art-376e7aa96c5b4f0db3708326ce2ff46a2025-08-20T02:26:31ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Pharmacology1663-98122025-04-011610.3389/fphar.2025.15346861534686Parthenolide: pioneering new frontiers in hematological malignanciesElmira Zarei0Ayda Zarei1Azadeh Omidkhoda2Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranDepartment of Laboratory Sciences, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, IranDepartment of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranHematological malignancies are the fifth most prevalent cancer category in developed countries, presenting significant treatment challenges. The side effects of chemotherapy and its non-selective nature have led researchers to explore combination therapies to enhance efficacy and improve patient outcomes. Parthenolide (PTL) emerges as a promising candidate, being the first small molecule identified for its selective action against leukemic stem cells. This article provides an overview of PTL’s effects and its potential as a complementary treatment for hematological malignancies. A systematic search in PubMed, Scopus, Embase and Web of Science identified relevant studies using keywords and MeSH terms. Peer-reviewed studies examining PTL’s mechanisms and therapeutic potential were included, while non-hematological studies and those lacking rigor were excluded. PTL targets key signaling pathways to combat malignancy, inhibiting NF-κB and signal transducer and STAT3, promoting ROS production, and activating p53. These mechanisms contribute to its effectiveness in treating hematological malignancies. Approaches incorporating PTL or its derivatives show promise in increasing leukemic cell sensitivity to existing therapies and reducing resistance likelihood. Additionally, studies indicate that other drugs can synergistically enhance PTL’s ability to eliminate leukemic cells. In conclusion, PTL represents a promising avenue for improving therapeutic outcomes in hematological malignancies, warranting further investigation into its mechanisms and potential in combination therapies.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1534686/fullhematological malignancyparthenolideherbal extractleukemiaNF-kB
spellingShingle Elmira Zarei
Ayda Zarei
Azadeh Omidkhoda
Parthenolide: pioneering new frontiers in hematological malignancies
Frontiers in Pharmacology
hematological malignancy
parthenolide
herbal extract
leukemia
NF-kB
title Parthenolide: pioneering new frontiers in hematological malignancies
title_full Parthenolide: pioneering new frontiers in hematological malignancies
title_fullStr Parthenolide: pioneering new frontiers in hematological malignancies
title_full_unstemmed Parthenolide: pioneering new frontiers in hematological malignancies
title_short Parthenolide: pioneering new frontiers in hematological malignancies
title_sort parthenolide pioneering new frontiers in hematological malignancies
topic hematological malignancy
parthenolide
herbal extract
leukemia
NF-kB
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1534686/full
work_keys_str_mv AT elmirazarei parthenolidepioneeringnewfrontiersinhematologicalmalignancies
AT aydazarei parthenolidepioneeringnewfrontiersinhematologicalmalignancies
AT azadehomidkhoda parthenolidepioneeringnewfrontiersinhematologicalmalignancies