Advancements in the Application of the Fenton Reaction in the Cancer Microenvironment

Pharmaceutics. 2023 Sep 18;15(9):2337. doi: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15092337.

Abstract

Cancer is a complex and multifaceted disease that continues to be a global health challenge. It exerts a tremendous burden on individuals, families, healthcare systems, and society as a whole. To mitigate the impact of cancer, concerted efforts and collaboration on a global scale are essential. This includes strengthening preventive measures, promoting early detection, and advancing effective treatment strategies. In the field of cancer treatment, researchers and clinicians are constantly seeking new approaches and technologies to improve therapeutic outcomes and minimize adverse effects. One promising avenue of investigation is the utilization of the Fenton reaction, a chemical process that involves the generation of highly reactive hydroxyl radicals (·OH) through the interaction of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) with ferrous ions (Fe2+). The generated ·OH radicals possess strong oxidative properties, which can lead to the selective destruction of cancer cells. In recent years, researchers have successfully introduced the Fenton reaction into the cancer microenvironment through the application of nanotechnology, such as polymer nanoparticles and light-responsive nanoparticles. This article reviews the progress of the application of the Fenton reaction, catalyzed by polymer nanoparticles and light-responsive nanoparticles, in the cancer microenvironment, as well as the potential applications and future development directions of the Fenton reaction in the field of tumor treatment.

Keywords: Fenton-reaction; malignant tumor; nanoparticles.

Publication types

  • Review

Grants and funding

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 21864020, 82160652), the Natural Science Foundation of Inner Mongolia (Grant No. 2019MS02014, 2018MS02012), the “Young Science and Technology Talents Program” (Leading Person) in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Colleges and Universities (Grant No. NJYT-19-A04), the Fundamental Research Funds for the Inner Mongolia Normal University, China, (Grant No. 2022JBZD013), the Key Project of Natural Science Foundation of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (No. 2023ZD21), and the Science and Technology Planning Project of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (No. 2021GG0367).