Reactive Oxygen Species and Antioxidants in Carcinogenesis and Tumor Therapy

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Cell Biology
• Oncology

Background:

• Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are crucial for normal cellular functions but excessive levels cause DNA mutations and promote cancer progression.
• High ROS levels in tumors can drive cell proliferation and metastasis, yet also induce cell death, a target for cancer therapy.
• Antioxidants, including enzyme systems and soluble compounds, can modulate ROS generation but require careful application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the dual role of antioxidants in cancer, focusing on their mechanisms of action in both tumor and healthy cells.
• To analyze the complex interactions between antioxidants, oxidative stress, and cancer treatment outcomes.
• To clarify the contradictory data regarding antioxidant use during antitumor therapy.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies investigating ROS metabolism in cancer.
• Analysis of research on antioxidant effects on cancer cell proliferation, metastasis, and apoptosis.
• Examination of clinical and preclinical data on antioxidant supplementation during cancer treatment.

Main Results:

• Antioxidants can inhibit tumor cell proliferation and metastasis by reducing ROS.
• Conversely, antioxidants may protect tumor cells from death induced by oxidative stress-based therapies.
• The effects of dietary antioxidants during cancer treatment are inconsistent and context-dependent.

Conclusions:

• Antioxidants possess a complex, context-dependent role in cancer, potentially hindering or aiding therapeutic outcomes.
• Careful consideration of antioxidant use is necessary, particularly when combined with therapies that induce oxidative stress.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms and optimize the clinical application of antioxidants in oncology.