Targeting non-apoptotic cell death in cancer treatment by nanomaterials: Recent advances and future outlook

Area of Science:

• Nanomedicine and Cancer Therapeutics
• Cell Death Mechanisms
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Apoptosis-resistant tumors pose a significant challenge to conventional cancer therapies.
• Non-apoptotic cell death pathways, including necroptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis, present alternative therapeutic targets.
• Nanomaterials offer unique properties for cancer treatment and can induce various forms of cell death.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the latest advancements in nanomaterial-induced non-apoptotic cell death for cancer therapy.
• To explore the therapeutic potential of necroptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis induction by nanomaterials.
• To discuss the challenges and clinical merits of these emerging cancer treatment strategies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent research on nanomaterials and cancer cell death.
• Analysis of studies focusing on necroptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis induction by nanomaterials.
• Evaluation of the clinical implications and future directions in the field.

Main Results:

• Nanomaterials demonstrate significant potential in inducing necroptotic, autophagic, and ferroptotic cell death in cancer cells.
• Nanomaterial-mediated induction of these pathways shows promise as a standalone or combinatorial cancer therapy.
• Iron-based nanomaterials are particularly highlighted for their roles in drug delivery, immunotherapy, hyperthermia, and imaging.

Conclusions:

• Nanomaterial-based induction of non-apoptotic cell death is a viable strategy to overcome therapeutic resistance in apoptosis-defective cancers.
• Further research and clinical translation are warranted to fully realize the potential of these approaches in oncology.
• Nanomaterials offer a versatile platform for developing novel anticancer therapeutics targeting diverse cell death mechanisms.