Nanomedicine targets iron metabolism for cancer therapy

• Published in: Cancer science Vol. 113; no. 3; pp. 828 - 837
• Main Authors: Lin, Liangru, Chen, Hanqing, Zhao, Ruifang, Zhu, Motao, Nie, Guangjun
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England John Wiley & Sons, Inc 01.03.2022; John Wiley and Sons Inc
• Subjects: Acids; Angiogenesis; Animals; Antineoplastic Agents - administration & dosage; Antineoplastic Agents - chemistry; Antineoplastic Agents - pharmacology; Apoptosis; Cancer; Cancer therapies; cancer therapy; Cell cycle; Cell growth; Cell proliferation; Chelating agents; Combined Modality Therapy; Cytotoxicity; DNA biosynthesis; Drug Delivery Systems; Drug development; ferroptosis; Ferroptosis - drug effects; Homeostasis; Humans; Hypoxia; Iron; Iron - metabolism; Iron Overload - drug therapy; Iron Overload - metabolism; Iron Overload - pathology; iron reductive therapy; Lungs; Melanoma; Metabolism; Metastases; Metastasis; Nanocrystals; nanodrug delivery system; Nanomedicine; Nanoparticles; Nanotechnology; Neoplasms - drug therapy; Neoplasms - metabolism; Neoplasms - pathology; Pharmacokinetics; Proteins; Redox properties; Review; Transferrins; Tumorigenesis; Tumors; iron metabolism; nanodrug delivery system; cancer therapy; ferroptosis; iron reductive therapy
• ISSN: 1347-9032; 1349-7006
• DOI: 10.1111/cas.15250

Iron is an essential element for cell proliferation and homeostasis by engaging in cell metabolism including DNA synthesis, cell cycle, and redox cycling; however, iron overload could contribute to tumor initiation, proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis. Therefore, manipulating iron metabolisms, such as using iron chelators, transferrin receptor 1 (TFR1) Abs, and cytotoxic ligands conjugated to transferrin, has become a considerable strategy for cancer therapy. However, there remain major limitations for potential translation to the clinic based on the regulation of iron metabolism in cancer treatment. Nanotechnology has made great advances for cancer treatment by improving the therapeutic potential and lowering the side‐effects of the proved drugs and those under various stages of development. Early studies that combined nanotechnology with therapeutic means for the regulation of iron metabolism have shown certain promise for developing specific treatment options based on the intervention of cancer iron acquisition, transportation, and utilization. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of iron metabolism involved in cancer and review the recent advances in iron‐regulatory nanotherapeutics for improved cancer therapy. We also envision the future development of nanotherapeutics for improved treatment for certain types of cancers. We summarize the current understanding of iron metabolism involved in cancer and review the recent advances in iron‐regulatory nanotherapeutics for improved cancer therapy. We also envision the future development of nanotherapeutics for improved treatment for certain types of cancers.