The role of iron in tumour cell proliferation
Abstract
Iron has a pivotal role in homeostasis due to its participation in virtually all of the body's oxidation-reduction processes. However, iron can also be considered a double-edged weapon, as its excess may lead to an increased risk of developing cancer, presumably by the generation of reactive oxygen species, and its role as substrate to enzymes that participate in cell proliferation. Thus, iron might as well be considered a cofactor in tumour cell proliferation. In certain pathological conditions, such as haemochromatosis, hepatitis B and C virus infection, asbestosis and endometriosis, iron overload may increase the risk of cancer. By contrast, iron depletion could be considered a useful adjunct in antitumour therapy. This paper reviews the current scientific evidence behind iron's role as a protumoral agent, and the potential benefit of a state of iron depletion in patients with cancer.
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Surplus iron is needed during early steps of tumor development for enhanced survival and proliferation of transformed cells.
“This surplus of iron is needed not only both during early steps of tumor development, e.g., enhanced survival [11] and proliferation of transformed cells [12], but also during late stages to promote the metastatic cascade.”
From Iron as a central player and promising target in cancer progression (2019) · cites this paper as [12]
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References 82 · Cited by 84
- Authors
- Steegmann-Olmedillas, J. L.
- Affiliations
- Hospital Universitario de La Princesa (ES)
- Corresponding author
- Steegmann-Olmedillas, Juan Luis
- Venue
- Clinical and Translational Oncology
- Published
- 2011-02
- Volume
- 13
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 71-76
- ISSN
- 1699-048X (ISSN-L)
- 1699-3055
- OpenAlex
- W1987402259
- Cited by
- 84
- References
- 82
- Citations by year
- 2025: 5 · 2024: 7 · 2023: 10 · 2022: 7 · 2021: 9 · 2020: 7 · 2019: 2 · 2018: 5 · 2017: 5 · 2016: 2 · 2015: 5 · 2014: 7 · 2013: 8 · 2012: 3
- FWCI
- 0.85
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Licence
- www.springer.com/tdm (tdm)
- Locations
- Clinical & Translational Oncology (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Funders
- Novartis Farmacéutica
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Hematology › Iron Metabolism and Disorders
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine › Ferroptosis and cancer prognosis
- Health Sciences › Nursing › Nutrition and Dietetics › Trace Elements in Health
- Keywords
- iron, tumor cell proliferation, iron overload, iron depletion, reactive oxygen species, hemochromatosis, asbestosis, endometriosis, cancer therapy
- MeSH terms
- Anemia, Animals, Antineoplastic Agents, Homeostasis, Humans, Iron, Iron Chelating Agents, Neoplasms, Cell Proliferation
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