Flavonoids as receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors in lung cancer

Flavonoids are polyphenolic compounds with promising anti-cancer properties, as well as low toxicity and high potency. Based on recent research, a potential mechanism of flavonoids appear to be via receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) inhibition. RTKs are important cell surface proteins that are commonly dysregulated in cancers particularly lung cancer, which is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. In this review, we outlined common RTK aberrations in lung cancer followed by how selected flavonoids target these RTKs and downstream signalling pathways such as MAPK, PI3K/Akt, JAK/STAT, etc. Next, we summarised combination treatments involving flavonoids and RTK inhibitors (RTKIs) in lung cancer models. The evidence suggests that RTK inhibition may be a key mechanism of flavonoids. Secondly, using flavonoids in combination with RTKIs exhibited higher suppression of tumour growth and metastasis compared to individual treatments. The possible interaction between RTKIs and flavonoids could also have important implications for lung cancer treatment strategies.