Selenium action in neuro-oncology.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Oncology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Selenium and selenoproteins are crucial for brain function, development, and maintenance.
• Selenium compounds influence the tumor microenvironment and neoangiogenesis in malignant gliomas (WHO grade III and IV [glioblastoma, GBM]).

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize recent findings on the anti-toxicity and cancer-preventive properties of selenium.
• To explore the implications of selenium in multimodal cancer therapies and its potential to mitigate chemotherapy side effects.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent scientific literature focusing on selenium's role in neuro-oncology.
• Analysis of selenium's effects on apoptosis, neoangiogenesis, and matrix metalloproteinases expression in gliomas.
• Examination of selenium's interaction with standard chemotherapeutics like temozolomide, cyclophosphamide, and cisplatin.

Main Results:

• Selenium compounds exhibit dual action: direct anti-cancer effects and enhancement of chemotherapy efficacy.
• Selenium demonstrates neuroprotective and cytoprotective properties, potentially reducing chemotherapy-induced toxicity.
• Selenium influences tumor microenvironment and neoangiogenesis, impacting malignant glioma progression.

Conclusions:

• Selenium and its compounds are promising agents in neuro-oncology, offering both direct anti-cancer benefits and supportive roles in multimodal therapy.
• Further research into selenium supplementation and its optimal status (low-adequate-to-high/toxic) is warranted for neuro-oncological applications.
• Novel combinatorial chemotherapeutics involving selenium compounds may improve treatment outcomes and reduce side effects in brain tumor patients.