Targeting the redox-programmed cell death axis in breast cancer: from molecular mechanisms to therapeutic resistance

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Cell Death Research

Background:

• Breast cancer is a leading global health concern, characterized by heterogeneity that complicates treatment.
• Current therapies often target single cell death pathways, overlooking potential synergistic effects.
• Complex interactions within cell death pathways may underlie treatment resistance in breast cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the diverse cell death modalities induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS) in breast cancer.
• To explore the role of ROS balance in cell death pathways and their epigenetic regulation.
• To highlight novel therapeutic avenues, including PANoptosis, nanotechnology, and combination therapies for breast cancer.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of cell death pathways in breast cancer.
• Analysis of the interplay between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and various cell death types.
• Exploration of emerging cell death pathways like PANoptosis and their therapeutic implications.

Main Results:

• ROS production and clearance dynamics significantly influence cell death pathways.
• Multiple cell death types (apoptosis, pyroptosis, necroptosis, ferroptosis, cuproptosis, etc.) are implicated in breast cancer.
• PANoptosis represents a novel cell death pathway with potential therapeutic relevance.

Conclusions:

• Understanding the spectrum of ROS-induced cell death is crucial for advancing breast cancer treatment.
• Targeting multiple cell death pathways and leveraging nanotechnology offers promising combination therapy strategies.
• Further research into PANoptosis and ROS modulation could revolutionize breast cancer therapeutics.