Exploring the antitumor effect of curcumin-piperlongumine hybrid molecule (CP) on EGFR-TKI-resistant non-small cell lung cancer using network pharmacological analysis and experimental verification

EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy is the most effective targeted therapy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, drug resistance remains a significant factor in the failure of lung cancer therapy. In the present study, we utilize network pharmacology, molecular docking, <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i> experiments to explore the targets and biological mechanisms of CP, a novel curcumin-piperlongumine hybrid molecule, in EGFR-TKI-resistant NSCLC cells. The results reveal that CP exhibits enhanced biological activity compared to its parent compounds. CP can effectively inhibit cell proliferation by arresting cell cycle in the G2/M phase and inducing apoptosis. Mechanistically, CP-induced apoptosis is partially mediated by PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. These findings highlight the potential of CP as a promising therapeutic agent for EGFR-TKI-resistant lung cancer therapy.