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Updated: Nov 19, 2025

Chemiluminescence-based Assays for Detection of Nitric Oxide and its Derivatives from Autoxidation and Nitrosated Compounds
Published on: February 16, 2022
Current Advances of Nitric Oxide in Cancer and Anticancer Therapeutics
Joel Mintz1, Anastasia Vedenko2, Omar Rosete3
1Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Davie, FL 33328, USA.
Abstract:
Nitric oxide (NO) is a short-lived, ubiquitous signaling molecule that affects numerous critical functions in the body. There are markedly conflicting findings in the literature regarding the bimodal effects of NO in carcinogenesis and tumor progression, which has important consequences for treatment. Several preclinical and clinical studies have suggested that both pro- and antitumorigenic effects of NO depend on multiple aspects, including, but not limited to, tissue of generation, the level of production, the oxidative/reductive (redox) environment in which this radical is generated, the presence or absence of NO transduction elements, and the tumor microenvironment. Generally, there are four major categories of NO-based anticancer therapies: NO donors, phosphodiesterase inhibitors (PDE-i), soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) activators, and immunomodulators. Of these, NO donors are well studied, well characterized, and also the most promising. In this study, we review the current knowledge in this area, with an emphasis placed on the role of NO as an anticancer therapy and dysregulated molecular interactions during the evolution of cancer, highlighting the strategies that may aid in the targeting of cancer.
Insights
Nitric oxide (NO) has dual roles in cancer, acting as both a promoter and inhibitor. This review explores NO
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Nitric oxide (NO) is a critical signaling molecule with complex, often contradictory, roles in cancer.
- The effects of NO on carcinogenesis and tumor progression are influenced by factors like production levels, redox state, and tumor microenvironment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of nitric oxide's role in cancer.
- To highlight NO-based anticancer therapies and their mechanisms.
- To discuss strategies for targeting cancer through NO modulation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of preclinical and clinical studies on nitric oxide in cancer.
- Analysis of NO's dual pro- and antitumorigenic effects.
- Categorization of NO-based anticancer therapeutic strategies.
Main Results:
- Conflicting findings exist regarding NO's impact on cancer, suggesting context-dependent effects.
- NO donors are identified as a well-characterized and promising therapeutic approach.
- Understanding dysregulated molecular interactions is key for NO-targeted cancer therapy.
Conclusions:
- Nitric oxide's multifaceted role in cancer necessitates careful consideration for therapeutic applications.
- NO donors represent a significant avenue for developing novel anticancer treatments.
- Targeting cancer requires a deep understanding of NO's complex interactions within the tumor microenvironment.
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