Ferroptosis in lung cancer: dual role, multi-level regulation, and new therapeutic strategies

Abstract

Lung cancer is a highly prevalent malignant tumor worldwide, with high incidence and death rates. Recently, there has been increasing recognition of the role of ferroptosis, a unique cell death mechanism, in lung cancer. This review aims to summarize the current research progress on the relationship between ferroptosis and lung cancer. It also provides a comprehensive analysis of the regulatory processes of ferroptosis in various stages, including epigenetics, transcription, post-transcription, translation, and post-translation. Additionally, the review explores the dual nature of ferroptosis in lung cancer progression, which presents interesting therapeutic possibilities. On one hand, ferroptosis can promote the escape of immune surveillance and reduce the efficacy of treatment in the early stages of tumors. On the other hand, it can counter drug resistance, enhance radiosensitivity, and promote immunotherapy. The article also discusses various combination treatment strategies based on the mechanism of ferroptosis. Overall, this review offers a holistic perspective on the role of ferroptosis in the onset, progression, and treatment of lung cancer. It aims to contribute to future research and clinical interventions in this field.

Ferroptosis: emerging roles in lung cancer and potential implications in biological compounds

“…Ferroptosis has dual properties in the progression of cancer: on the one hand, ferroptosis can help tumor cells evade immune surveillance and reduce the effectiveness of early tumor treatment; on the other hand, it can resist tumor drug resistance, increase sensitivity to radiation, and assist in enhancing immunotherapy ( Li et al, 2024 ). Targeting ferroptosis has been clinically used to treat tumors, whose mechanisms mainly include inhibiting System Xc-, inhibiting/degrading/inactivating GPX4, consuming coenzyme Q10, and inducing lipid peroxidation through peroxides, iron, or PUFA overload ( Bian et al, 2024 ).…”