Full Text | PDF

Theranostics 2021; 11(17):8412-8429. doi:10.7150/thno.59092 This issue Cite

Review

Targeting iron metabolism in cancer therapy

Michael Morales, Xiang Xue^✉

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131

✉ Corresponding author: Email: xxueunm.edu. Address: Fitz hall 259, 915 Camino de Salud NE, Albuquerque, NM 87131

Abstract

Iron is a critical component of many cellular functions including DNA replication and repair, and it is essential for cell vitality. As an essential element, iron is critical for maintaining human health. However, excess iron can be highly toxic, resulting in oxidative DNA damage. Many studies have observed significant associations between iron and cancer, and the association appears to be more than just coincidental. The chief characteristic of cancers, hyper-proliferation, makes them even more dependent on iron than normal cells. Cancer therapeutics are becoming as diverse as the disease itself. Targeting iron metabolism in cancer cells is an emerging, formidable field of therapeutics. It is a strategy that is highly diverse with regard to specific targets and the various ways to reach them. This review will discuss the importance of iron metabolism in cancer and highlight the ways in which it is being explored as the medicine of tomorrow.

Keywords: Iron metabolism, Cancer, Therapy, Chelation, Ferroptosis

Citation styles

©2024 Ivyspring International Publisher. Terms of use