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Updated: Jun 25, 2025
Production and Detection of Reactive Oxygen Species ROS in Cancers
Published on: November 21, 2011
Targeted Therapy of Tumors and Cancer Stem Cells based on Oxidant-regulated Redox Pathway and its Mechanism
Shunshun Wang1, Juanjuan Han1, Zijun Wang1
1Hubei Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Chinese Medicine Processing, School of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China.
Abstract:
A malignant tumor is a frequent and common disease that severely threatens human health. Many mechanisms, such as cell signaling pathway, anti-apoptosis mechanism, cell stemness, metabolism, and cell phenotype, have been studied to explain the reasons for chemotherapy, radioresistance, and tumor recurrences in antitumor treatment. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are important tumor cell subclasses that can potentially organize and regulate stem cell properties. Growing evidence suggests that CSCs can initiate tumors and constitute a significant factor in metastasis, recurrence, and treatment resistance. The inability to completely target and remove CSCs is a considerable obstacle in tumor treatment. Therefore, drugs and therapeutic strategies that can effectively intervene with CSCs are essential for the treatment of different tumor types. However, the current strategies and efficacy of targeted elimination of CSCs are very limited. Oxidative stress has been recognized to play a crucial role in cancer pathophysiology. Moreover, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and imbalance of the built-in cellular antioxidant defense system are hallmarks of tumor and cancer etiology. The current paper will focus on the regulation and mechanism behind oxidative stress in tumors and cancer stem cells and its tumor therapy applications. Additionally, the article discusses the role of CSCs in causing tumor treatment resistance and recurrence based on a redox perspective. The study also emphasizes that targeted modulation of oxidative stress in CSCs has great potential in tumor therapy, providing novel prospects for tumor therapy.
Insights
Targeting cancer stem cells (CSCs) is crucial for effective tumor treatment. Modulating oxidative stress in CSCs offers a promising therapeutic strategy to overcome treatment resistance and prevent tumor recurrence.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Biology
- Redox Biology
Background:
- Malignant tumors pose a significant global health threat, with recurrence and resistance to therapies like chemotherapy and radiotherapy being major challenges.
- Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a critical subpopulation driving tumor initiation, metastasis, recurrence, and treatment resistance.
- Oxidative stress and the dysregulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are fundamental to cancer development and progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the regulatory mechanisms of oxidative stress in tumors and cancer stem cells.
- To elucidate the role of CSCs in treatment resistance and recurrence from a redox perspective.
- To highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting oxidative stress in CSCs for novel cancer treatments.
Main Methods:
- Review and synthesis of existing literature on cancer stem cells, oxidative stress, and redox biology.
- Analysis of the mechanisms by which CSCs contribute to therapeutic resistance.
- Examination of the interplay between oxidative stress and CSC properties.
Main Results:
- CSCs possess unique properties that contribute significantly to tumor initiation, metastasis, and resistance to conventional therapies.
- Imbalances in oxidative stress and antioxidant defense systems are key features of CSCs and tumor pathophysiology.
- Targeted modulation of oxidative stress within CSCs presents a viable strategy to enhance antitumor efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Cancer stem cells are pivotal in driving tumor recurrence and treatment resistance.
- Understanding the redox biology of CSCs is essential for developing effective cancer therapies.
- Targeting oxidative stress in CSCs holds significant promise for improving patient outcomes and overcoming therapeutic limitations.
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