Modulation of oxidative stress as an anticancer strategy
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Updated: May 5, 2026
Production and Detection of Reactive Oxygen Species ROS in Cancers
Published on: November 21, 2011
Chiara Gorrini1, Isaac S Harris, Tak W Mak
11] The Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research, University Health Network, 620 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C1, Canada. [2].
Abstract:
The regulation of oxidative stress is an important factor in both tumour development and responses to anticancer therapies. Many signalling pathways that are linked to tumorigenesis can also regulate the metabolism of reactive oxygen species (ROS) through direct or indirect mechanisms. High ROS levels are generally detrimental to cells, and the redox status of cancer cells usually differs from that of normal cells. Because of metabolic and signalling aberrations, cancer cells exhibit elevated ROS levels. The observation that this is balanced by an increased antioxidant capacity suggests that high ROS levels may constitute a barrier to tumorigenesis. However, ROS can also promote tumour formation by inducing DNA mutations and pro-oncogenic signalling pathways. These contradictory effects have important implications for potential anticancer strategies that aim to modulate levels of ROS. In this Review, we address the controversial role of ROS in tumour development and in responses to anticancer therapies, and elaborate on the idea that targeting the antioxidant capacity of tumour cells can have a positive therapeutic impact.
Insights
Oxidative stress, involving reactive oxygen species (ROS), plays a complex role in cancer development and treatment. Targeting cancer cells
Area of Science:
- Oncology and Molecular Biology
- Cellular Redox Biology
Background:
- Oxidative stress is crucial in tumor development and anticancer therapy response.
- Signaling pathways in tumorigenesis regulate reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism.
- Cancer cells often exhibit altered redox status with elevated ROS levels compared to normal cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the dual role of ROS in tumor development and response to anticancer therapies.
- To explore the implications of ROS modulation for anticancer strategies.
- To discuss targeting antioxidant capacity for therapeutic benefit.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on oxidative stress, ROS, and cancer.
- Analysis of signaling pathways involved in ROS metabolism and tumorigenesis.
- Examination of the impact of ROS levels on cancer cell behavior and therapy response.
Main Results:
- Elevated ROS levels in cancer cells are balanced by increased antioxidant capacity.
- ROS can act as a barrier to tumorigenesis but also promote it via DNA mutations and pro-oncogenic pathways.
- Contradictory roles of ROS have significant implications for therapeutic strategies.
Conclusions:
- Targeting the antioxidant capacity of tumor cells presents a potential positive therapeutic impact.
- Understanding the complex role of ROS is key to developing effective anticancer treatments.
- Modulating ROS levels offers a promising avenue for novel cancer therapies.
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