A Comprehensive review on exploring Thymoquinone as novel therapeutic molecule for clinical management of Glioblastoma Multiforme

Abstract

Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is a deadly and aggressive brain cancer with rapid progression and resistance to conventional treatments. Patients suffering from GBM have a median survival of just over a year after diagnosis, and low potential of current treatments urges to discover novel molecules and therapies for its management. Thymoquinone (TH), a bioactive compound from Nigella sativa seeds, has shown potent antitumour effects in preclinical studies. TH's antioxidant properties are crucial in treating GBM, by oxidative stress-based treatment. Nanoparticles or nanocarriers entrapping TH's has substantially improved the efficacy of TH, and nanotechnology advancements can enhance targeted drug delivery. Combination therapy strategies with TH, targeting multiple vulnerabilities and disrupting pro-tumourigenic signalling cascades, may improve outcomes. TH has potential anti-GBM activity by modulating key signalling pathways, including NF-κB, PI3K/Akt, MAPK, and STAT3. It is an adjunctive in standard treatments for GBM, targeting residual tumour cells to inhibit postoperative growth and improve radiation therapy efficiency. Understanding TH-mediated immunosuppression in GBM and its effects on metabolic pathways and epigenetic regulation could lead to new therapeutic targets. This review gives a detail idea about the latest advancement made till date in the field of GBM treatment using TH as novel and potent molecule coupled with various immunology, nanotechnology, conventional therapies and other molecules.