Isothiocyanates as Ferroptosis Inducers to Promote Cancer Cell Death

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Biochemistry
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Cancer is a leading cause of death, with chemotherapy resistance and late diagnosis limiting treatment efficacy.
• Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent cell death pathway driven by lipid peroxidation, presents a promising target for overcoming cancer drug resistance.
• Isothiocyanates (ITCs), natural compounds found in cruciferous vegetables, exhibit multi-target anticancer properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the mechanisms of ferroptosis.
• To evaluate the evidence for ITCs inducing ferroptosis.
• To discuss the potential of ITCs as a novel strategy to enhance anticancer treatment.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of ferroptosis mechanisms.
• Critical evaluation of preclinical studies on ITCs and ferroptosis.
• Analysis of compound-specific, redox- and iron-dependent mechanisms.

Main Results:

• ITCs can induce ferroptosis through various compound-specific mechanisms.
• ITC-induced ferroptosis involves both redox and iron-dependent pathways.
• ITCs show potential as modulators of ferroptosis in cancer.

Conclusions:

• ITCs are versatile modulators of ferroptosis in cancer.
• Targeting ferroptosis with ITCs may offer a novel therapeutic strategy.
• Further in vivo and clinical studies are required for therapeutic application, including dose optimization and combination strategies.