The following is a summary of “Ferroptotic Therapy in Cancer: Benefits, Side Effects, and Risks,” published in the May 2024 issue of Oncology by Diao et al.
Ferroptosis, a form of regulated cell death marked by iron accumulation and unchecked lipid peroxidation, is emerging as a promising avenue in cancer therapy. Initially explored as a targeted approach for cancer cells bearing oncogenic RAS mutations, ferroptosis induction now presents an opportunity to synergize with existing treatments like chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy across various cancer types.
However, while offering therapeutic potential, ferroptosis has its drawbacks. Side effects, including immune cell demise, bone marrow suppression, hepatic and renal injury, cachexia, and the risk of secondary tumorigenesis, pose significant concerns. In this comprehensive review, the researchers delve into the advantages of ferroptosis therapy, extensively examining the diverse array of documented side effects.
Additionally, the study group scrutinizes the underlying mechanisms behind these side effects and proposes potential mitigation strategies, aiming to optimize the therapeutic potential of ferroptosis while minimizing its adverse consequences.
Source: molecular-cancer.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12943-024-01999-9