Reactive Oxygen Species in Cancer Biology

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are chemically reactive molecules derived from oxygen metabolism that play a dual role in cancer biology. At moderate levels, ROS function as signalling messengers, activating pathways such as MAPK, PI3K/Akt and NF-κB to promote cell proliferation, angiogenesis and metastasis. Excessive ROS, however, inflict damage on DNA, proteins and lipids, driving genomic instability and cell death. Cancer cells balance this paradox by reprogramming metabolism: they enhance antioxidant defences (for example glutathione and thioredoxin systems) while sustaining sublethal ROS to support tumour growth. Mitochondria are central to ROS generation, and alterations in mitochondrial function further modulate redox status. Within the tumour microenvironment, ROS produced by stromal and immune cells influence immune evasion, inflammation and extracellular matrix remodelling. Exploiting ROS dynamics has become a therapeutic strategy, either by exacerbating oxidative stress to trigger apoptosis or by strengthening antioxidant capacity to inhibit tumour-promoting signalling. Advances in understanding ROS homeostasis have yielded biomarkers of redox balance and informed the design of redox-targeted interventions with potential for improved specificity and efficacy.

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Reactive Oxygen Species in Cancer Biology publication trend

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Technical terms

Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS): Chemically reactive oxygen-containing molecules that function in cell signalling or cause oxidative damage.

Oxidative Stress: A condition resulting from an imbalance favouring ROS generation over antioxidant defences.

Redox Homeostasis: The steady state of oxidation–reduction reactions maintained by controlled ROS production and scavenging.

Tumour Microenvironment (TME): The complex milieu of stromal, immune and vascular elements surrounding tumour cells.

Antioxidant Defence: Cellular mechanisms—such as glutathione, thioredoxin and associated enzymes—that neutralise ROS.

Metabolic Reprogramming: Adaptive changes in metabolic pathways that support rapid proliferation and redox balance in cancer cells.

Apoptosis: Programmed cell death induced by excessive oxidative damage or other cellular stressors.

References

1. Role of Reactive Oxygen Species in Cancer Progression: Molecular Mechanisms and Recent Advancements. Biomolecules (2019).
2. Oxidative Stress in Cancer Cell Metabolism. Antioxidants (2021).
3. Dynamic ROS Control by TIGAR Regulates the Initiation and Progression of Pancreatic Cancer. Cancer Cell (2020).
4. Reactive Oxygen Species in the Tumor Microenvironment: An Overview. Cancers (2019).