Document Type : Mini Review
Authors
1
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Department, Pan African University Institute for Basic Sciences, Technology & Innovation (PAUSTI), Nairobi, Kenya
2
Department of Biochemistry, University of Nairobi (UON), Nairobi, Kenya
3
Center for Community Driven Research (CCDR), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
4
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Nairobi, Kenya
Abstract
Cervical cancer remains a global health challenge, particularly in developing countries. Current treatment strategies include radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, surgical removal, or a combination thereof. However, these approaches are associated with challenges such as tumor recurrence, drug resistance, and toxicity. Moreover, such treatments are often inaccessible in resource-limited regions, underscoring the need for alternative therapeutic approaches. A promising cancer treatment is currently considered to be one that targets both the bulk of tumor cells and cancer stem cells (CSCs). In this review, we critically examine the rationale for combining ivermectin and ascorbic acid. We discuss the molecular targets of both agents in relation to human papillomavirus (HPV)-induced molecular changes in the cervix. The review explores the complementarity of ivermectin and ascorbic acid in targeting HPV-driven cancer hallmarks, metabolic reprogramming, and CSCs. Furthermore, we examine the challenges associated with the use of ivermectin and ascorbic acid in cervical cancer treatment. We hypothesize that this combination could be explored as a postoperative adjuvant therapy to prevent recurrence, pending preclinical and clinical validation.
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