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Updated: May 9, 2026
Production and Detection of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in Cancers
Published on: November 21, 2011
Reactive oxygen species in cancer biology and anticancer therapy
Y Yang1, S Karakhanova, J Werner
1Department of General Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
Abstract:
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are a group of highly reactive chemicals under tight control of intracellular antioxidants. The balance in oxidation-antioxidation is essential for maintaining normal cell functions, and any imbalance could lead to a wide range of diseases including cancer. The intracellular level of ROS is generally elevated in cancer cells, revealing a critical role of ROS in the process of carcinogenesis and cancer progression. Conversely, there is also evidence showing that ROS can act as cancer suppressors. This may be due to the varying antioxidant capacities of different cancers. These findings indicate a complex redox state in cancer cells. In this review we summarize the main features of ROS and their functions with respect to cancer initiation, hallmarks of cancer, and signaling in cancer cells. ROS-elevating and ROS-depleting anticancer strategies and their mechanisms are thoroughly discussed. We argue that the rationale for therapy choice depends on a complete understanding of cancer cell redox state, namely, the "redox signaling signature" of cancer.
Insights
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a dual role in cancer, promoting initiation and progression while sometimes acting as suppressors. Understanding cancer
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are critical for cellular function, with their balance maintained by antioxidants.
- Imbalances in ROS levels are linked to various diseases, notably cancer.
- Cancer cells often exhibit elevated ROS, implicating them in carcinogenesis and progression, though ROS can also suppress tumors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted roles of ROS in cancer initiation, progression, and signaling.
- To discuss ROS-modulating anticancer strategies and their underlying mechanisms.
- To emphasize the importance of a cancer cell's specific redox state for guiding therapeutic choices.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of ROS functions in cancer.
- Analysis of ROS's role in cancer hallmarks and signaling pathways.
- Discussion of therapeutic strategies targeting ROS levels.
Main Results:
- ROS have complex and context-dependent roles in cancer, acting as both promoters and suppressors.
- Elevated ROS are common in cancer cells, influencing carcinogenesis and progression.
- Cancer cell antioxidant capacities vary, leading to diverse redox states.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive understanding of a cancer's unique "redox signaling signature" is crucial for selecting effective ROS-targeting therapies.
- Therapeutic strategies should be tailored based on the specific redox state of cancer cells.
- Targeting ROS offers a promising avenue for novel anticancer treatments.
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