Science University Research Symposium (SURS)

Exploring the Synergistic Effects of Cisplatin and Curcumin in Osteosarcoma Cells

Publication Date

2025

College

College of Sciences & Mathematics

Department

Biology, Department of

SURS Faculty Advisor

Andrea Florian

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Abstract

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a highly aggressive bone cancer characterized by rapid metastasis, which drastically reduces patient survival rates from 70% in localized cases to 30% upon metastasis. Current treatments combining chemotherapy with cisplatin and surgical intervention are often ineffective against metastatic OS and are associated with significant side effects. Cisplatin targets cancer cells by binding to DNA, disrupting transcription and replication, and inducing apoptosis. To address the challenges associated with current treatments, this study investigates the potential of combining cisplatin with curcumin, the bioactive compound derived from turmeric, as a novel therapeutic approach. Curcumin has shown anticancer properties through the induction of oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage, and increased reactive oxygen species, leading to cell death. We treated OS cells with cisplatin and curcumin, both individually and in combination, to assess their effects on cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. Our results demonstrate that the combination therapy significantly decreases cell viability compared to either agent alone while potentially mitigating the adverse effects associated with traditional chemotherapy. These findings suggest that the synergistic effects of cisplatin and curcumin offer a promising new therapeutic strategy for improving outcomes in patients with OS.

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