Ferroptosis based on metal-organic frameworks for tumor therapy

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Oncology

Background:

• Ferroptosis is a distinct programmed cell death pathway driven by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation.
• Tumor cells can evade ferroptosis by regulating redox and iron homeostasis, limiting its therapeutic efficacy.
• Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) offer potential as nanocarriers and ferroptosis inducers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in Fe- and Cu-based MOFs for ferroptosis-based tumor therapy.
• To highlight the synergistic potential of combining ferroptosis with other cancer treatments.
• To outline future challenges and prospects for MOF-based ferroptosis therapies.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on Fe- and Cu-based MOFs in ferroptosis research.
• Analysis of MOF applications as nanocarriers and therapeutic agents.
• Discussion of combination therapy strategies involving ferroptosis.

Main Results:

• Fe- and Cu-MOFs effectively induce ferroptosis and serve as versatile nanocarriers.
• Combination therapies (ferroptosis with chemo-, photo-, immunotherapy) show enhanced anti-tumor effects.
• Significant progress has been made in the last 5 years, particularly the last 3.

Conclusions:

• Fe- and Cu-MOFs represent a promising strategy for enhancing ferroptosis in cancer therapy.
• MOF-based ferroptosis holds potential for synergistic effects with conventional treatments.
• Addressing challenges in stability, targeting, and scalability is crucial for clinical translation.