Utilization of redox modulating small molecules that selectively act as pro-oxidants in cancer cells to open a therapeutic window for improving cancer therapy

M S Petronek; J M Stolwijk; S D Murray; E J Steinbach; Y Zakharia; G R Buettner; D R Spitz; B G Allen

doi:10.1016/j.redox.2021.101864

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Utilization of redox modulating small molecules that selectively act as pro-oxidants in cancer cells to open a therapeutic window for improving cancer therapy

Journal article

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Utilization of redox modulating small molecules that selectively act as pro-oxidants in cancer cells to open a therapeutic window for improving cancer therapy

M S Petronek, J M Stolwijk, S D Murray, E J Steinbach, Y Zakharia, G R Buettner, D R Spitz and B G Allen

Redox biology, Vol.42, pp.101864-101864

06/2021

DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2021.101864

PMCID: PMC8113052

PMID: 33485837

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Abstract

There is a rapidly growing body of literature supporting the notion that differential oxidative metabolism in cancer versus normal cells represents a metabolic frailty that can be exploited to open a therapeutic window into cancer therapy. These cancer cell-specific metabolic frailties may be amenable to manipulation with non-toxic small molecule redox active compounds traditionally thought to be antioxidants. In this review we describe the potential mechanisms and clinical applicability in cancer therapy of four small molecule redox active agents: melatonin, vitamin E, selenium, and vitamin C. Each has shown the potential to have pro-oxidant effects in cancer cells while retaining antioxidant activity in normal cells. This dichotomy can be exploited to improve responses to radiation and chemotherapy by opening a therapeutic window based on a testable biochemical rationale amenable to confirmation with biomarker studies during clinical trials. Thus, the unique pro-oxidant/antioxidant properties of melatonin, vitamin E, selenium, and vitamin C have the potential to act as effective adjuvants to traditional cancer therapies, thereby improving cancer patient outcomes.

Cancer therapy

Ascorbate

Antioxidant supplementation

Details

Title: Subtitle: Utilization of redox modulating small molecules that selectively act as pro-oxidants in cancer cells to open a therapeutic window for improving cancer therapy
Creators: M S Petronek - University of Iowa
J M Stolwijk - University of Iowa
S D Murray - University of Iowa
E J Steinbach - University of Iowa
Y Zakharia - University of Iowa
G R Buettner - University of Iowa
D R Spitz - University of Iowa
B G Allen - University of Iowa
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Redox biology, Vol.42, pp.101864-101864
DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2021.101864
PMID: 33485837
PMCID: PMC8113052
NLM abbreviation: Redox Biol
ISSN: 2213-2317
eISSN: 2213-2317
Grant note: T32 CA078586 / NCI NIH HHS R01 CA182804 / NCI NIH HHS P01 CA217797 / NCI NIH HHS P30 CA086862 / NCI NIH HHS
Language: English
Date published: 06/2021
Academic Unit: Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation; Hematology, Oncology, and Blood & Marrow Transplantation; Stead Family Department of Pediatrics; Pathology; Iowa Neuroscience Institute; Radiation Oncology; Radiation Research Laboratory; Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center; Internal Medicine
Record Identifier: 9984313079802771

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