• Nanocarrier-Based Delivery of Quercetin: A Promising Approach to Overcome Chemoresistance in Gastric Cancer
  • Parisa Javanali Azar,1,* Vahid Asghariazar,2
    1. MSc Student, Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Urmia Branch, Urmia, Iran


  • Introduction: Gastric cancer is one of the most common and aggressive malignancies worldwide. Despite advances in diagnosis and therapy, many patients face poor outcomes. One of the biggest challenges in treatment is the development of resistance to chemotherapy drugs such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Once resistance appears, conventional therapy becomes much less effective, creating an urgent need for new strategies
  • Methods: Quercetin as a candidate: Quercetin, a natural flavonoid in many fruits and vegetables, has attracted attention for its anticancer potential. It can inhibit tumor cell growth, reduce inflammation, and trigger apoptosis. Several studies also suggest that Quercetin may enhance the action of traditional chemotherapy drugs. However, its clinical use is limited because it dissolves poorly in water and is rapidly metabolized in the body.
  • Results: Nanocarriers as a solution: Nanotechnology offers tools to solve these limitations. Biodegradable polymers such as PEG-PCL can encapsulate Quercetin, improving its stability and providing controlled release. In addition, graphene quantum dots (GQDs) can increase drug loading and allow imaging due to their fluorescent properties. Combining these systems creates a hybrid nanocarrier that may deliver Quercetin more effectively to cancer cells. Mechanism of action: One key way Quercetin fights cancer is by activating apoptosis, or programmed cell death. Drug-resistant cancer cells often avoid apoptosis, which helps them survive chemotherapy. Genes like BAX and Caspase-1 are central players in this process. Evidence indicates that nano-formulated Quercetin can upregulate these genes, restoring the sensitivity of resistant gastric cancer cells to 5-FU. Application in gastric cancer models: The MKN-45 gastric cancer cell line, known for its resistance to 5-FU, has been used to test these strategies. Results from experimental studies suggest that Quercetin-loaded PEG-PCL scaffolds, functionalized with graphene quantum dots, can enhance apoptosis and reduce resistance. Using a natural compound with an innovative delivery system, this dual approach points to a promising direction in gastric cancer therapy.
  • Conclusion: Nanocarrier-based Quercetin delivery offers a potential way to overcome chemoresistance in gastric cancer. These platforms may enhance treatment outcomes by improving the drug’s bioavailability and directly affecting apoptosis-related pathways. Further research is still needed, but this approach could eventually support more effective and less toxic patient therapies
  • Keywords: Gastric cancer; Chemoresistance, Quercetin, Nanocarriers, PEG-PCL