Natural Compounds Targeting MAPK, PI3K/Akt, and JAK/STAT Signaling in Papillary Thyroid Cancer

This review explores the potential of natural compounds to target key signaling pathways—MAPK, PI3K/Akt, and JAK/STAT—in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), which is the most common form of thyroid cancer. Despite a generally good prognosis, advanced PTC has a lower survival rate, necessitating ongoing treatment. Natural compounds like curcumin, quercetin, luteolin, and 3,3′-diindolylmethane (DIM) show promise in overcoming therapeutic resistance and promoting apoptosis by targeting pathways activated by mutations such as BRAF and RET/PTC. These compounds exhibit anti-cancer properties in vitro, suggesting their potential as effective, safe, and affordable alternatives or complements to existing treatments. However, challenges such as low bioavailability and the need for further clinical trials remain. Overall, these natural compounds could serve as promising therapeutic options for advanced and recurrent PTC.