Phytochemicals and miRNA-Based Therapeutic Opportunities for Cancer Stem Cell-Mediated Tumor Angiogenesis

Cancer stem cell (CSC) is a small subset of cancer cell population with unique ability to self-renew. They are responsible for invasion and metastasis of tumor and maintaining the recurrence of tumor. Tumor growth and development is also reliable on angiogenesis, which is a multistep process of developing new blood vessels from preexisting vasculature. miRNAs are reported to play a critical role in cancer development and progression by controlling invasion, migration, angiogenesis, and metastasis. They also regulate the functioning of CSC through various signaling pathways governing their self-renewal and survival mechanism. Naturally occurring phytochemicals have proven to be effective in inhibiting tumor growth, invasion, migration, and angiogenesis in various types of tumor by modulating CSC signature miRNA and angiogenic signaling pathways. This combined action of phytochemicals in regulating the miRNAs related to both tumor angiogenesis and CSC opens up therapeutic options in cancer therapy. The synergistic approach of combining individualized anti-CSC and antiangiogenic therapy mediated by phytochemicals and miRNA will frame a safer therapeutic for fighting tumor efficiently.