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Updated: May 15, 2025

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Published on: March 15, 2024
Natural compounds targeting ferroptosis in ovarian cancer: Research progress and application potential
Yuanyuan Zhao1, Lichao Lu2, Xingying Chen3
1Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 610075, China.
Abstract:
Ovarian cancer (OC) is among the most common malignancies in the female reproductive system, marked by high rates of recurrence and mortality. Conventional chemotherapy, however, faces limitations due to the development of drug resistance, which hinders its effectiveness. Ferroptosis, an atypical form of programmed cell death distinct from autophagy, apoptosis, and necrosis, the relationship with tumors has become a hot research area in cancer studies in recent years. Anticancer therapies that target ferroptosis show strong potential in improving prognosis and counteracting chemotherapy resistance. Natural compounds, as a valuable source of novel targeted anticancer agents, its significant role in inhibiting tumor cell proliferation and metastasis and improving therapeutic sensitivity has been demonstrated in numerous existing studies. This review summarizes a range of natural compounds that target ferroptosis in OC cells, discussing their active components, mechanisms of action, and therapeutic potential, thereby providing useful insights for future targeted therapy and research in OC.
Insights
Natural compounds show promise in fighting ovarian cancer by inducing ferroptosis, a cell death pathway distinct from apoptosis. This approach may overcome drug resistance and improve treatment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cell Death Mechanisms
- Natural Product Chemistry
Background:
- Ovarian cancer (OC) is a leading cause of female reproductive system malignancies with high recurrence and mortality rates.
- Conventional chemotherapy for OC is often limited by acquired drug resistance.
- Ferroptosis, a distinct form of programmed cell death, is emerging as a key target in cancer research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review natural compounds that induce ferroptosis in ovarian cancer cells.
- To discuss the mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential of these natural compounds.
- To provide insights for developing novel targeted therapies for ovarian cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on natural compounds targeting ferroptosis in ovarian cancer.
- Analysis of active components and mechanisms of action.
- Evaluation of therapeutic potential and implications for drug resistance.
Main Results:
- Natural compounds demonstrate significant potential in inhibiting OC cell proliferation and metastasis.
- Targeting ferroptosis with natural compounds may overcome chemotherapy resistance.
- Various natural compounds exhibit distinct mechanisms to induce ferroptosis in OC cells.
Conclusions:
- Natural compounds offer a promising avenue for developing novel ovarian cancer therapies by targeting ferroptosis.
- Further research into these compounds could lead to improved treatment strategies and patient prognosis.
- Harnessing ferroptosis presents a viable approach to combatting drug-resistant ovarian cancer.
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