Development and Evaluation of Novel Curcumin Analogues for the Treatment of Gynaecological Cancers

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in Wales. Women, particularly those diagnosed with gynaecological cancers such as ovarian, endometrial, cervical, vulval and vaginal cancers, face some of the poorest survival rates in the UK. Poor awareness, late diagnosis, limited treatment options and severe side effects from current therapies all contribute to this health gap.

Natural products, such as manuka honey, have long been a source of life-saving medicine, but many remain underexplored. Curcumin, the yellow compound found in turmeric, shows strong anti-cancer properties. However, in its natural form it breaks down quickly in the body and is poorly absorbed, limiting its clinical use to treat cancer.

At the University of South Wales (USW), we aim to create new forms of curcumin that are more stable, easier to absorb and more effective against cancer, especially gynaecological cancers. We will test these improved compounds in laboratory models of gynaecological cancers both alone and in combination with current drugs, to see if they can increase effectiveness of current treatments and reduce side effects.

Our long-term goal is to lay the foundations for new and more effective treatments for women with gynaecological cancers in Wales and beyond.