Document Type : Research Articles
Authors
1
Professor Pediatric, Government Medical College, Sundargarh, Odisha, India.
2
Clinical Team Manager, Thermofisher Scientific, Mason, Ohio, USA.
3
Principal Scientist, Apicore LLC, 148 Princeton Hightstown Rd, East Windsor, New Jersey, USA.
4
Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, Al Jalila Foundation Research Center, Mohammad Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai.
5
Associate Professor and Head, Department of Biochemistry, RVS College of Arts and Science Sulur Coimbatore, India.
6
Department of anatomy, College of Medicine, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, KSA.
7
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, INTI International University, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia.
8
Professor of Pharmacology, Bridgetown International University, Barbados.
9
Assistant Professor, Department of Zoology, Dr. Harisingh Gour Central University, Sagar, India.
10
Principal Clinical Research Associate, ThermoFisher Scientific, 168 Third Avenue, Waltham, MA, 02451, USA.
Abstract
Background: Systemic chemotherapy remains a cornerstone of cancer treatment, traditionally relying on maximum tolerable dosing (MTD) of cytotoxic agents to achieve remission. While MTD-based regimens have successfully treated certain malignancies such as pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia, their toxicity to healthy cells poses significant health risks and limitations. Metronomic chemotherapy (MCT), characterized by the frequent administration of low-dose chemotherapeutics without prolonged breaks, has emerged as a promising alternative with distinct antiangiogenic, immunomodulatory, and tumor dormancy-inducing properties. Methods: This review critically examines current literature on MCT, including preclinical and clinical studies, to assess its therapeutic efficacy, safety profile, and integration into standard cancer care. Emphasis is placed on evaluating combination therapies, patient selection criteria, resistance mechanisms, and nanoformulation advancements. The review also explores how MCT compares to other treatment modalities, such as immunotherapy. Results: Findings suggest that MCT offers significant advantages over conventional MTD regimens, including reduced toxicity, improved patient tolerance, and enhanced modulation of the tumor microenvironment. Studies show promising outcomes in various cancer types, particularly when MCT is combined with other therapeutic approaches. Nanoformulations further enhance drug delivery and effectiveness, while ongoing clinical trials continue to validate its role in cancer management. Conclusion: Metronomic chemotherapy presents a novel and effective strategy in oncology, with the potential to overcome limitations of traditional chemotherapy. By consolidating current evidence and clinical insights, this review supports the broader adoption of MCT and offers recommendations for optimizing its use in future cancer treatment protocols.
Keywords
Main Subjects
)