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

• CP, a novel curcumin-piperlongumine hybrid, shows enhanced antitumor activity against EGFR-TKI-resistant NSCLC compared to parent compounds. • CP inhibits proliferation by inducing G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in resistant cells. • The PI3K/AKT signaling pathway partially mediates CP-induced apoptosis, providing a mechanistic basis. • Network pharmacology and experimental validation identify CP as a promising therapeutic candidate for overcoming EGFR-TKI resistance.