Targeting ferroptosis in ovarian cancer: Novel strategies to overcome chemotherapy resistance

Life Sci. 2024 Jul 15:349:122720. doi: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122720. Epub 2024 May 16.

Abstract

Aims: This review investigates the role of ferroptosis in combating chemotherapy resistance in ovarian cancer, with a focus on its underlying mechanisms and therapeutic implications.

Main methods: A database search was conducted up to December 2023 using PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. The keywords "ovarian cancer," "ferroptosis," "cisplatin," and "cisplatin resistance" were employed. We included studies that offered original data on the application of ferroptosis in platinum-based chemotherapy, focusing on both in-vitro and in-vivo research models.

Key findings: Our review reveals that ferroptosis significantly influences drug resistance in ovarian cancer. It investigates the existing studies to understand the role of ferroptosis in platinum resistance and explores its underlying mechanisms and assesses potential therapeutic strategies that uses ferroptosis to improve outcomes. The findings underscore the importance of ferroptosis in enhancing the effectiveness of platinum-based treatments and improving patient prognosis.

Significance: The potential of ferroptosis induction to develop novel therapeutic strategies against ovarian cancer, especially in cisplatin-resistant cases, is promising. The preliminary nature of these findings highlights the necessity for further research to bring these insights into clinical practice. This would not only improve treatment outcomes and prognosis but also encourage ongoing studies into ferroptosis as a viable therapeutic approach.

Keywords: Cisplatin resistance; Ferroptosis; Ovarian Cancer; Platinum-based therapies.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents* / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Cisplatin* / pharmacology
  • Cisplatin* / therapeutic use
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm*
  • Female
  • Ferroptosis* / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Ovarian Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Ovarian Neoplasms* / metabolism
  • Ovarian Neoplasms* / pathology

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Cisplatin