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Method for Novel Anti-Cancer Drug Development using Tumor Explants of Surgical Specimens
Published on: July 29, 2011
Commentary: Antioxidants for cancer: new tricks for an old dog?
1Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-8852, USA. nima.sharifi@utsouthwestern.edu
Abstract:
Traditionally, the main focus of the importance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in oncology is that these species induce DNA damage, leading to a predisposition to cancer. However, it has recently been shown that ROS may have an alternative activity, by modulating tumor cell signaling. Moreover, tumor cell signaling mediated by ROS is readily reversible upon treatment with antioxidants. This emerging evidence on the molecular effects of antioxidants on tumor cells, along with the evidence that the route of administration of antioxidants in earlier clinical trials for cancer could not achieve pharmacologically effective levels, suggests that antioxidants may serve as bona fide signal transduction modifiers for cancer. A re-examination of the current evidence and further study is clearly warranted.
Insights
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) traditionally linked to cancer now show potential in modulating tumor cell signaling. Antioxidants, previously limited by delivery, may offer new cancer treatment strategies by modifying these signals.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are traditionally associated with DNA damage and cancer predisposition.
- Emerging research highlights ROS's role in modulating tumor cell signaling pathways.
- ROS-mediated signaling in tumors is reversible with antioxidant treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the alternative roles of ROS in cancer beyond DNA damage.
- To investigate the potential of antioxidants as signal transduction modifiers in cancer therapy.
- To re-examine existing evidence on ROS, antioxidants, and cancer signaling.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on ROS, antioxidants, and cancer signaling.
- Analysis of evidence regarding the reversibility of ROS-mediated signaling by antioxidants.
- Evaluation of clinical trial data on antioxidant administration routes and efficacy.
Main Results:
- ROS exhibit a dual role in cancer, inducing DNA damage and modulating cell signaling.
- Tumor cell signaling influenced by ROS is reversible with antioxidant intervention.
- Previous clinical trials faced challenges in achieving effective antioxidant concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Antioxidants show promise as signal transduction modifiers for cancer treatment.
- Further research is warranted to re-evaluate the therapeutic potential of antioxidants in oncology.
- The reversible nature of ROS-mediated signaling opens new avenues for cancer therapy.
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