Genistein and Gastrointestinal Cancers: A Comprehensive Review of Recent Studies and Future Outlook

Cancer is a global disease that causes millions of deaths annually, with gastrointestinal cancers becoming more prevalent than lung and breast cancers. Lifestyle factors like smoking and unhealthy eating habits increase the risk of cancer. Precision medicine approaches are needed to improve patient outcomes and cancer survival rates. Genistein, a natural isoflavonoid, acts as an anticancer medication by inducing apoptosis, preventing metastasis, and triggering cell death. It relies on various signaling pathways, including JAK1/2-STAT3, AKT/MDM2, EGFR, MEK/ERK, Shh-Gli1, MMP-2, FLT4, STAT3, PLK-1, and others. Elevated serum concentrations of isoflavones like genistein and daidzein have been linked to a decreased incidence of stomach cancer. Consumption of genistein through diet has been linked to potential health benefits, such as heart disease prevention, gastrointestinal, prostate, and breast cancer prevention through chemotherapy, and alleviation of postmenopausal symptoms. Genistein is a potent anticancer medication that works against various cancer types. This review examines the pharmacokinetics, chemistry, and possible applications of genistein in the treatment of pancreatic, esophageal, gastric, liver, and colorectal malignancies. The utilization of nanotechnology in conjunction with genistein is also discussed.