Harnessing Antioxidants in Cancer Therapy: Opportunities, Challenges, and Future Directions

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Cell Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Antioxidants protect cells from oxidative damage and maintain homeostasis.
• They play a complex dual role in cancer therapy, acting as protective agents or pro-oxidants.
• Redox regulation pathways like BACH1 and NRF2 influence cancer progression and immunotherapy response.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the complex roles of antioxidants in cancer biology.
• To explore their impact on the tumor microenvironment and therapeutic responses.
• To highlight emerging strategies for optimizing antioxidant therapy in cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

• Review of preclinical studies on major antioxidants in cancer.
• Analysis of intracellular and extracellular effects of antioxidants.
• Examination of emerging therapeutic strategies and their challenges.

Main Results:

• Antioxidants can protect against oxidative stress but may also promote tumorigenesis and treatment resistance.
• They modulate the tumor microenvironment, affecting cancer cell behavior and treatment outcomes.
• Preclinical data show promise but highlight challenges like interference with standard treatments.

Conclusions:

• Optimizing antioxidant therapy requires addressing potential risks and exploring novel approaches.
• Personalized medicine, nanoparticle delivery, and combination therapies are promising strategies.
• Further research is needed to advance antioxidant-based strategies for improved cancer patient outcomes.