D-allose: Molecular Pathways and Therapeutic Capacity in Cancer

Background: Despite the implementation of various cancer therapies, adequate therapeutic efficacy has not been achieved. A growing number of studies have been dedicated to the discovery of new molecules to combat refractory cancer cells efficiently. Recently, the use of a rare type of sugar, D-allose, has attracted the attention of research communities. In combination with the first-line treatment of cancers, including different types of radiotherapies and chemotherapies, D-allose has been detected with favorable complementary effects. : Understanding the mechanism of therapeutic target molecules will enable us to develop new strategies for cancer patients that do not currently respond to the present therapies. Objective: We aimed to provide a review of the effects of D-allose in cancer treatment, its mechanisms of action, and gaps in this field that require more investigations. Discussion: With rare exceptions, in many cancer types, including head and neck, lung, liver, bladder, blood, and breast, D-allose consistently has exhibited anticancer activity in vitro and/or in vivo. Most of the D-allose functions are mediated through thioredoxin-interacting protein molecules. D-allose exerts its effects via reactive oxygen species regulation, cell cycle arrest, metabolic reprogramming, autophagy, apoptosis induction, and sensitizing tumors to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Conclusion: D-allose has shown great promise for combating tumor cells with no side effects, especially in combination with first-line drugs; however, its potential for cancer therapy has not been comprehensively investigated in vitro or in vivo.