Structure-related cytotoxic effects of flavones and doxorubicin in chronic myeloid leukaemia and non-cancerous cells in vitro– a preliminary study [Abstract]

Deaths caused by cancer across sub-Sahara Africa have been predicted to double by 2040 (Ngwa et al., 2022). Westernisation of lifestyles, characterised by increased urbanisation and dietary changes, have contributed to an increase in risk factors for cancer (Ngwa et al., 2022). The development of haematological cancers, including leukaemia, are associated with the occupational exposure to carcinogens used in agricultural processes such as pesticide residues (Foucault et al., 2021). With the modernisation of medicine, the average lifespan in African populations has increased but with a concurrent increase in cancer rates in later years (Ngwa et al., 2022). Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) is the most prevalent haematological cancer in Africa (27.5%), and together with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) accounts for 47% of leukaemia (Mulatie et al., 2025). Thus, there is a need to engage scientists (including science students and recent graduates) in drug discovery for chemotherapy drugs in Africa. Doxorubicin (Dox) is an established chemotherapy drug but severe adverse side effects in patients (Vu et al., 2020). Africa has a rich biodiversity of medicinal plants and responsible farming can offer a sustainable resource in novel drug discovery (Gaobotse et al., 2023). Plant-based flavones such as baicalein (BL), a flavone, have demonstrated anticancer properties and favourable safety with minimal adverse side effects (Wang et al., 2018; Morshed et al., 2023). The currently reported study examines the cytotoxicity of Dox and flavones, and determines whether specific functional groups can induce selective cytotoxicity in myeloid leukaemia compared to non-cancerous (non-C) cells.