Ferroptosis in cancer: metabolism, mechanisms and therapeutic prospects

Ferroptosis is a form of cell death, distinct from apoptosis, necrosis and autophagy. It is a novel programmed cell death (PCD) triggered by iron accumulation and peroxidation associated with intracellular iron metabolism disorders. Since its naming in 2012, ferroptosis has garnered increasing attention for its role in human diseases, particularly in tumor formation, progression and therapy. Numerous studies have demonstrated that ferroptosis plays a crucial role in killing tumor cells, inhibiting tumor proliferation and metastasis and reversing therapy resistance. Consequently, targeted induction of ferroptosis in tumor cells holds promise as a novel antitumor therapeutic strategy.