Cancer Center and Research Institute, National Center for Natural Products Research host natural products and cancer research symposium
The University of Mississippi recently hosted the Natural Products and Cancer Research Symposium, a landmark event that brought together leading researchers, clinicians and students to discuss the intersection of natural products and oncology. Co-hosted by the University of Mississippi Medical Center Cancer Center and Research Institute and the National Center for Natural Products Research, the symposium underscored the importance of collaboration in advancing cancer research and treatment. The partnership is particularly significant given that the collaboration enhances two of the CCRI's major research programs, experimental therapeutics and cancer biology and immunology.
Natural products have long been a cornerstone of drug discovery, with 25% of approved cancer drugs deriving from plant, marine and other natural sources. Beyond their role in drug discovery, natural products also have significant potential to complement existing oncology treatments and to mitigate symptoms from cancer or its treatment. For example, natural products may be used to reduce chemotherapy-induced side effects, boost the efficacy of standard immunotherapies, and provide supportive care for cancer patients by alleviating pain and inflammation.
The understudied nature of many commonly available natural products on the market today, however, underscores the urgency of research in this area. “With an estimated 20-30% of cancer patients in the U.S. using herbal medicines and supplements, it is particularly important we study their effects,” said Dr. Leslie Musshafen, CCRI associate director of administration and assistant professor in the department of Preventive Medicine. “Bridging this gap in our knowledge is critical to our ability to take care of Mississippians facing a cancer diagnosis. We are incredibly fortunate to have in our state the renowned scientists and cutting-edge techniques at the NCNPR to help us do so," added Musshafen.
The event also highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in tackling complex diseases like cancer. By uniting the expertise of natural products researchers with cancer physicians and researchers, the symposium demonstrated how integrated efforts can lead to innovative solutions. The approach aligns with the CCRI’s mission to reduce the cancer burden in Mississippi and beyond, particularly in underserved populations that face significant barriers to care.
Looking ahead, the CCRI and NCNPR plan to expand their joint initiatives, including investigating how natural compounds can be used in combination with standard oncology treatments to improve outcomes. Dr. Ikhlas Khan, director of the NCNPR, noted “We are excited to work collaboratively to evaluate the safety and efficacy of natural products in the area of oncology and other health related issues.” The initiatives will involve advanced screening methods, state-of-the-art laboratories, and continued partnership to ensure that findings translate into real-world applications.
Ultimately, the efforts promise to position Mississippi as a leader in natural products-based cancer research, reinforcing the state’s commitment to addressing one of the most pressing health challenges of our time.