Current understanding of ferroptosis in the progression and treatment of pancreatic cancer

Cancer Cell Int. 2021 Sep 9;21(1):480. doi: 10.1186/s12935-021-02166-6.

Abstract

Pancreatic cancer is a highly malignant tumour of the digestive tract. Despite advances in treatment, its 5-year survival rate remains low, and its prognosis is the worst among all cancers; innovative therapeutic methods are needed. Ferroptosis is a form of regulatory cell death driven by iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation. Recent studies have found that ferroptosis plays an important role in the development and treatment response of tumours, particularly pancreatic cancer. This article reviews the current understanding of the mechanism of ferroptosis and ferroptosis-related treatment in pancreatic cancer.

Keywords: Ferroptosis; Iron accumulation; Lipid peroxidation; Pancreatic cancer.

Publication types

  • Review