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Updated: Aug 7, 2026
Chemiluminescence-based Assays for Detection of Nitric Oxide and its Derivatives from Autoxidation and Nitrosated Compounds
Published on: February 16, 2022
Therapeutic potential of nitric oxide in cancer
Benjamin Bonavida1, Soraya Khineche, Sara Huerta-Yepez
1Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California at Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, A2-060 CHS, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1747, USA. bbonavida@mednet.ucla.edu <bbonavida@mednet.ucla.edu>
Abstract:
In recent years, several novel approaches have been developed to overcome tumor cell resistance to conventional therapeutics. Such approaches include genetic manipulations, vaccine development and exploitation of the anti-tumor host immune response. The overall development of tumor cell resistance to therapeutics is, in large part, the result of the ability of tumor cells to develop specific mechanisms to overcome cell death or apoptosis. Therefore, the possibility to interfere selectively in the regulation of the apoptotic signaling pathways may result in either the direct induction of cell death and/or sensitization of the cells to cytotoxic stimuli. A novel approach based on modifying gene products that regulate resistance to apoptosis involves nitric oxide (NO). NO is a ubiquitous molecule with diverse cellular effects that depend on the source, concentration, latency, cell type and phenotype. This review describes the role played by NO in cancer including carcinogenesis, pathogenesis, angiogenesis, chemoprevention and as a novel therapeutic to overcome resistance when used alone or as a sensitizing agent used in combination with other therapeutics.
Insights
Nitric oxide (NO) offers a novel strategy to combat cancer by overcoming tumor cell resistance to therapeutics. This molecule can induce cancer cell death or sensitize cells to treatments, playing a key role in cancer progression and prevention.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Tumor cells develop resistance to conventional therapeutics by evading apoptosis (programmed cell death).
- Targeting apoptotic signaling pathways offers a way to induce cancer cell death or enhance sensitivity to cytotoxic agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted role of nitric oxide (NO) in cancer.
- To explore NO's potential as a therapeutic agent to overcome drug resistance.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of nitric oxide's functions in cancer.
- Analysis of NO's involvement in carcinogenesis, pathogenesis, angiogenesis, and chemoprevention.
- Evaluation of NO as a standalone or sensitizing therapeutic agent.
Main Results:
- Nitric oxide (NO) exhibits diverse cellular effects influencing cancer development and progression.
- NO can be utilized to overcome tumor cell resistance to apoptosis.
- NO demonstrates potential as a therapeutic agent, either alone or in combination therapies.
Conclusions:
- Nitric oxide (NO) is a critical molecule in cancer biology with significant therapeutic implications.
- Modulating NO pathways presents a promising strategy for enhancing cancer treatment efficacy.
- Further research into NO-based therapies is warranted to combat drug-resistant cancers.
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