Targeting ferroptosis regulators in lung cancer: Exploring natural products

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pharmacology
• Integrative Medicine

Background:

• Lung cancer presents a significant global health burden requiring novel therapeutic interventions.
• Conventional treatments face challenges including drug resistance and significant side effects.
• Natural products and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offer a rich source of bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the potential of natural products and TCM in lung cancer therapy.
• To focus on the role of targeting ferroptosis regulators in lung cancer treatment.
• To explore the mechanisms by which these natural agents modulate ferroptosis.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on natural products, TCM, and ferroptosis in lung cancer.
• Analysis of key ferroptosis regulators and their modulation by natural compounds and TCM.
• Examination of the impact on antioxidant, iron metabolism, lipid, and mitochondrial pathways.

Main Results:

• Natural products (e.g., curcumin, resveratrol) and TCM exhibit anti-cancer properties.
• These agents can induce ferroptosis, a regulated form of cell death, in lung cancer cells.
• Modulation of ferroptosis involves key regulators like GPX4, SLC7A11, and NRF2, alongside iron and lipid metabolism.

Conclusions:

• Natural products and TCM hold significant potential for developing innovative lung cancer therapies.
• Targeting ferroptosis offers a promising strategy to overcome resistance to conventional treatments.
• Integration of natural products and TCM may lead to more effective and safer lung cancer treatment paradigms.