Metabolomics and Cancer: Identification of Biomarkers from Plant-Based Pharmaceuticals Using an Integrated Approach

Cancer, a potent and destructive ailment, has been a longstanding health concern for communities and a persistent challenge in the healthcare system for decades. Thus, it demands innovative approaches for effective diagnosis and treatment. In conjunction with that, this chapter explores the paradigm shift in cancer therapy through the integration of metabolomics and plant-based pharmaceuticals. It highlights the synergy between these approaches, elucidating the discovery of novel natural products, known as biomarkers, for combating cancer. The integration not only facilitates biomarker discovery but also unknots the intricate mechanisms underlying anticancer effects of plant-derived compounds, revolutionizing cancer treatment with personalized and effective therapeutic strategies. The comprehensive exploration in this chapter also encompasses the significance of metabolomics in cancer research, the potential of plant-based pharmaceuticals, and the integration of metabolomics with various omics data for a multidimensional view of cancer metabolism. It investigates metabolomics techniques, data acquisition, and analysis methods while emphasizing the integrated approach for biomarker identification. The integration of metabolomics with genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics data is discussed, showcasing case studies of successful integrated approaches. Additionally, the chapter explores plant-based cancer biomarkers and concludes by emphasizing the validation of identified biomarkers, addressing challenges, and contemplating future directions for personalized medicine and targeted therapies in the fight against cancer. This comprehensive exploration serves as a valuable resource for researchers and clinicians harnessing metabolomics and plant-based pharmaceuticals in the battle against cancer.