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.

Vaccines
|January 30, 2021
PubMed

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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