Reactive oxygen species signaling: Opportunities and challenges in cancer therapy

Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) play a multifaceted role in the biology of cancer, acting as a double-edged sword. These highly reactive molecules are central to cancer progression, influencing crucial cellular pathways. Although ROS can damage DNA, proteins, and lipids, leading to genome instability and tumorigenesis, they also activate anti-tumorigenic pathways. This paradoxical dual action occurs as ROS promote cancer cell death through oxidative stress and potentially trigger programmed cell death (PCD). Tumor cells often experience elevated ROS levels compared to normal cells due to genetic mutations, exposure to carcinogens, and oncogenic processes. The complexity of ROS impacts a wide array of signaling pathways, including MAPK, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, NF-κB, HIF-1α, Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, apoptotic, Nrf2-Keap1, JAK/STAT, TGF-β, and ER stress response, all of which play significant roles in cancer cell behavior and development.

This Research Topic aims to explore the potential of targeting ROS signaling pathways to enhance cancer treatment strategies. By investigating these pathways, we can identify how ROS contributes to cellular processes such as senescence, migration, and invasion, influencing cytoskeletal dynamics and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition processes. Moreover, natural compounds like dietary polyphenols show promise in modulating ROS levels and affecting cancer cell signaling, offering a new horizon for therapeutic intervention.

To gather further insights in ROS signaling in cancer therapy, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

o ROS impact on cancer cell death mechanisms

o Modulation of ROS pathways by natural compounds or pharmacological agents

o ROS involvement in cancer-related pathways and therapeutic targets

o The role of ROS in tumor microenvironment interactions

o Novel strategies to exploit ROS for enhancing cancer therapeutics

Authors are encouraged to submit original research, reviews, and commentaries to advance our understanding of ROS in cancer biology and therapy.

Keywords: Reactive oxygen species (ROS), Cancer therapy, Signaling pathways, Oxidative stress, Programmed cell death (PCD), Tumor microenvironment, Natural compounds

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.