An Overview of the Therapeutic Potential of Dimeric Flavonoids for Targeting Cancer Hallmarks

Evidence found in the literature indicates that dimeric flavonoids constitute important therapeutic options against cancer. Using these molecules to prevent cancer progression might be a novel and promising therapeutic approach with advantages like fewer side effects, easy access in nature, overall health benefits and overcoming drug resistance. Cancer is a complex disease and still not understood, but there are some common mechanisms and biological characteristics underlying tumor progression that have been scrutinized over the years. This information was summarized in a conceptual framework designated as hallmarks of cancer. Dimeric flavonoids exert biological effects in several pathways involved in cancer hallmarks including cell growth, cell cycle, apoptosis, metastasis and metabolism.