A CRITICAL REVIEW ON THERAPEUTIC METHODS OF CANCER TREATMENT

Abstract

In cancer cells, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are developed as a consequence of increased metabolic rate, mitochondrial dysfunction, elevated cell signaling, oncogene expression and increased peroxisome activity. Cancer cells need a certain level of ROS, above or below, leading to cytotoxicity in cancer cells. It is possible to leverage this biochemical aspect to develop novel therapeutic agents to kill cancer cells preferentially and selectively. We searched for peer-reviewed English-language publications in different electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Selected articles were reviewed, ranging from research papers, clinical studies and review articles on the production of ROS in living systems, its role in the development and treatment of cancer, and the role of microbiota in the treatment of ROS-dependent cancer. This review highlights tumour oxidative stress, the underlying mechanisms of various ROS and cancer cell relationships, various therapeutic strategies mediated by ROS, and the evolving role of microbiota in cancer therapy.