Since the discovery of unusual anti-
tumor activity of natural polyether
antibiotic -
Salinomycin, this compound, along with its derivatives, has been intensively studied against different human
cancer cells, both in vivo and in vitro.
Salinomycin has shown strong inhibition activity against the proliferation process of many different
cancer cells, including multi-drug resistance (MDR)
cancer cells, as well as cancer stem cells (CSCs), i.e. leukemic stem cells, colon
carcinoma stem cells,
prostate cancer stem cells and many others. Additionally, the application of
Salinomycin has been proved to enhance the anti-
cancer effect of radio- and
chemotherapy. Preliminary clinical studies have shown
tumor regression and only transient acute side effects after application of
Salinomycin. Up to now, major efforts have been devoted to elucidate the
biological mechanisms of anti-
tumor activity of
Salinomycin and it is expected that the results may provide new therapeutic strategies based on
biological modulation of
Salinomycin activity. This review is focused on and describes the possible role of
Salinomycin in
cancer therapy and gives an overview of its properties.