Research Progress on the Antitumor Effects of Curcumin and Its Derivatives in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: Narrative Review

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a malignant tumor of the head and neck, with a distinct geographical distribution, mainly found in Southeast Asia and southern China. Due to its complex anatomical location, radiotherapy and chemotherapy remain the main treatment methods; however, due to its resistance to radiation, multiple drug resistance, and significant systemic toxicity, the effectiveness of these treatment methods is limited. Curcumin is a natural polyphenolic compound derived from turmeric, and due to its low toxicity in preclinical models and multi-target activity, it has become a promising anti-tumor drug. This review systematically summarizes the existing preclinical evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies regarding the anti-tumor effects of curcumin and its derivatives on nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The study elaborates on the underlying molecular mechanisms, including the regulation of signaling pathways, the regulation of non-coding RNAs, and the targeting of EB virus-related proteins. Additionally, the study discusses the synergistic effects produced by curcumin when used in combination with radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and other natural compounds, as well as the potential of structural derivatives and formulations based on nanocarriers in overcoming the bioavailability limitations of parent compounds. Finally, the study critically evaluates the key obstacles hindering the clinical translation of curcumin for the treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and emphasizes the urgent need for well-designed clinical trials to validate these promising preclinical findings.