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Nitric oxide in cancer metastasis

Huiwen Cheng1, Lei Wang1, Molly Mollica1

  • 1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA; Edison Biotechnology Institute, Konneker Research Center, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA.

Cancer Letters
|August 1, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Nitric oxide (NO) plays a dual role in cancer metastasis, acting as both a promoter and inhibitor. Understanding its complex actions is key to developing novel cancer therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Cancer metastasis involves tumor cell spread from the primary site to distant organs.
  • Nitric oxide (NO) is a signaling molecule with complex roles in biological processes.
  • The dual role of NO in cancer progression and metastasis requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the multifaceted role of nitric oxide (NO) in cancer metastasis.
  • To analyze the mechanisms by which NO influences cancer formation, progression, and spread.
  • To explore the therapeutic potential of NO modulation in cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on nitric oxide and cancer metastasis.
  • Analysis of NO's effects on cancer cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and apoptosis.
  • Examination of NO's involvement in chemotherapy and novel therapeutic strategies.

Main Results:

  • NO exhibits both pro-metastatic and anti-metastatic properties, contingent on factors like cell type and disease stage.
  • Certain chemotherapies induce NO release, leading to tumor cell death in breast, liver, and skin cancers.
  • NO's role in angiogenesis and intravasation is linked to poorer cancer prognosis.

Conclusions:

  • Nitric oxide (NO) has a complex, context-dependent impact on cancer metastasis.
  • NO donors show promise for cancer therapy by inhibiting proliferation and anti-apoptosis pathways.
  • NO-releasing anti-inflammatory drugs represent a potential therapeutic avenue for various cancers.
Keywords:
HypoxiaNSAIDsSignalingTumoriNOS

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