Investigation of a novel anti-cancer effects of curcumin using comprehensive miRNA expression analysis

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 24590655
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Applied pharmacology
• Research Institution: Kyoto University
• Principal Investigator: KANAI MASASHI 京都大学, 医学(系)研究科(研究院), 講師 (70432416)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 村上 善基 大阪市立大学, 医学系研究科, 准教授 (00397556) ; 金井 恵理 天理医療大学, 教授 (20372584)
• Project Period (FY): 2012-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: クルクミン / がん / マイクロRNA / QOL

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Many preclinical studies have demonstrated the anti-cancer effect of curcumin and curcumin could be a promising anti-cancer drug with minimal side effects. On the other hand, poor bioavailability has been a major challenge in developing curcumin as an anti-cancer drug. To overcome this problem, a highly bioavailable curcumin has been developed. First, we tested the safety of this new form of curcumin in cancer patients and verified its improved bioavailability as well as its safety. Then, we proceeded to a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial to demonstrate its efficacy. To date, we have observed the improvement of quality of life or increase of miRNA involved in tumor suppression after curcumin administration. We are now trying to verify these findings in a larger cohort and our final goal is to introduce curcumin into daily clinical practice to treat patients with cancer.

Free Research Field

臨床薬理学