Ferroptosis in Cancer: Beyond Apoptosis for Tumor Suppression and Therapy

In a pivotal review by Guang Lei, Li Zhuang, and Boyi Gan, published in Cancer Cell, the authors explore ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of cell death, as a groundbreaking avenue in cancer treatment. The article titled "The roles of ferroptosis in cancer: Tumor suppression, tumor microenvironment, and therapeutic interventions" discusses how ferroptosis offers a promising alternative to traditional therapies that often fail due to resistance. By inducing ferroptosis, not only is tumor growth suppressed, but the potential to enhance immunotherapy responses and overcome therapy resistance is also increased. The review delves into the mechanisms of ferroptosis regulation, the intricate roles it plays within the tumor microenvironment, and its profound impact on antitumor immunity. The authors advocate for targeting ferroptosis as a strategic approach in cancer therapy, highlighting the necessity for further research into its regulatory mechanisms and therapeutic applications to fully harness its potential in oncology.