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Published on: January 19, 2024
Impact of ROS Generated by Chemical, Physical, and Plasma Techniques on Cancer Attenuation
Sarmistha Mitra1, Linh Nhat Nguyen1, Mahmuda Akter1
1Plasma Bioscience Research Center, Applied Plasma Medicine Center, Department of Plasma Bio-display, Department of Electrical and Biological Physics, Kwangwoon University, Seoul 01897, Korea.
Abstract:
For the last few decades, while significant improvements have been achieved in cancer therapy, this family of diseases is still considered one of the deadliest threats to human health. Thus, there is an urgent need to find novel strategies in order to tackle this vital medical issue. One of the most pivotal causes of cancer initiation is the presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) inside the body. Interestingly, on the other hand, high doses of ROS possess the capability to damage malignant cells. Moreover, several important intracellular mechanisms occur during the production of ROS. For these reasons, inducing ROS inside the biological system by utilizing external physical or chemical methods is a promising approach to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Beside conventional technologies, cold atmospheric plasmas are now receiving much attention as an emerging therapeutic tool for cancer treatment due to their unique biophysical behavior, including the ability to generate considerable amounts of ROS. This review summarizes the important mechanisms of ROS generated by chemical, physical, and plasma approaches. We also emphasize the biological effects and cancer inhibition capabilities of ROS.
Insights
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) can be generated externally to damage cancer cells. This review explores chemical, physical, and plasma methods for ROS generation, highlighting their potential in cancer therapy.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Science
- Oncology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Cancer remains a leading cause of mortality despite therapeutic advancements.
- Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a dual role in cancer, contributing to initiation but also capable of damaging malignant cells.
- Targeted induction of ROS presents a promising strategy for cancer treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review mechanisms of ROS generation via chemical, physical, and plasma methods.
- To emphasize the biological effects of ROS in cancer.
- To highlight the cancer inhibition capabilities of ROS.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on ROS generation.
- Analysis of chemical, physical, and plasma-based approaches.
- Evaluation of biological effects and therapeutic potential.
Main Results:
- Various chemical, physical, and plasma techniques can generate ROS.
- High doses of ROS demonstrate efficacy in damaging cancer cells.
- Cold atmospheric plasmas are emerging as a novel tool for ROS generation in cancer therapy.
Conclusions:
- External induction of ROS is a viable strategy for cancer treatment.
- Plasma-based ROS generation offers unique therapeutic advantages.
- Further research into ROS mechanisms and applications is warranted for effective cancer inhibition.
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