Abstract

Lung cancer is described as a main reason for death pertinent to cancer in subjects aged ≥50 years, and metastasis has a pivotal role in its lethality. This life-threatening condition is divided into several classifications, and non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) is responsible for the vast majority of lung malignancy cases. The etiology of this disease has not completely been illustrated; however, some risk factors have been identified, such as a history of allergy, asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema. Immunotherapy, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery are commonly offered options for lung cancer treatment. Nevertheless, multiple clinical studies evaluating various treatment approaches have reflected frustrating results, and there is no specific therapeutic way with maximum effectiveness and minimum complications against this malignant neoplasia yet. Natural polyphenol compounds, especially quercetin and its derivatives, metabolites, and nano-based formulations, have gained importance in cancer treatment and prevention research in light of their beneficial impacts like anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and promoting influences on apoptosis. In this line, an increasing body of evidence has unveiled the anticancer potential of quercetin and its different formulations for lung cancer improvement. Hence, this literature review aimed to review the anticancer mechanisms of this polyphenol in the fight against lung carcinoma. © 2024 Elsevier B.V.