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Updated: Jan 14, 2026

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Cancer Drug Sensitization In Vitro and In Vivo
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Hydrogen peroxide and cisplatin regulate the ROS/PKM2 pathway to affect the growth of cancer

Li-Yuan Bai1,2, Chang-Fang Chiu1,3, Chia-Yung Wu1

  • 1Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital Taichung 404, Taiwan.

American Journal of Cancer Research
|October 20, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) induce cancer cell death. Pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) nuclear levels decrease with ROS-inducing treatments, suggesting PKM2 as a potential anticancer target.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Aberrant reactive oxygen species (ROS) production contributes to DNA damage, chronic diseases, and cancer.
  • Pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), an enzyme crucial for glycolysis and energy metabolism, is overexpressed in various malignancies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of ROS-inducing agents on cancer cells and the role of PKM2.
  • To explore the potential of targeting PKM2 in anticancer therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Induction of ROS using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and cisplatin in pancreatic, oral, gastric, and hepatocellular carcinoma cells.
  • Assessment of apoptosis and nuclear p-PKM2 levels.
  • Evaluation of antioxidant effects using N-acetylcysteine (NAC).

Main Results:

  • H2O2 and cisplatin treatments induced ROS production and apoptosis across four cancer cell types.
  • Antioxidant NAC partially reduced H2O2- and cisplatin-induced apoptosis.
  • Nuclear p-PKM2 levels were downregulated by H2O2 and cisplatin, with levels restored by NAC.

Conclusions:

  • PKM2 nuclear downregulation is associated with ROS-induced apoptosis in cancer cells.
  • PKM2 may serve as a potential therapeutic target for anticancer strategies.
Keywords:
ApoptosisPKM2cisplatinhydrogen peroxidereactive oxygen species

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