Iron-dependent cell death: Unlocking Ferroptosis as a key to multiple myeloma therapy

Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent cell death characterized by elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the peroxidation of membrane lipids, leading to cellular destruction. This phenomenon results from a disruption in the balance between oxidative and antioxidative processes, with oxidation involving iron and lipid metabolism, and antioxidation primarily relying on GPX4. Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematological malignancy characterized by uncontrolled plasma cell growth, accounting for 1.3 % of all malignancies. Despite advancements in treatment, MM still has a poor prognosis. Research indicates that malignant MM cells are susceptible to ferroptosis, suggesting that this process may serve as a novel therapeutic strategy to enhance the efficacy of treatment for MM. This review explores current insights into the cellular mechanisms of ferroptosis and its role in eliminating multiple myeloma cells, as well as its effectiveness alongside conventional drugs like Bortezomib.