Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are a group of highly reactive chemicals under tight control of intracellular antioxidants. The balance in oxidation-antioxidation is essential for maintaining normal cell functions, and any imbalance could lead to a wide range of diseases including cancer. The intracellular level of ROS is generally elevated in cancer cells, revealing a critical role of ROS in the process of carcinogenesis and cancer progression. Conversely, there is also evidence showing that ROS can act as cancer suppressors. This may be due to the varying antioxidant capacities of different cancers. These findings indicate a complex redox state in cancer cells. In this review we summarize the main features of ROS and their functions with respect to cancer initiation, hallmarks of cancer, and signaling in cancer cells. ROS-elevating and ROS-depleting anticancer strategies and their mechanisms are thoroughly discussed. We argue that the rationale for therapy choice depends on a complete understanding of cancer cell redox state, namely, the "redox signaling signature" of cancer.
Highlights
The next topic highlighted in this issue is devoted to reactive oxygen species (ROS) in tumor immunology
Our understanding of reactive oxygen species (ROS)—a group of highly reactive chemicals containing oxygen—has changed in the last few years from ROS as just harmful substances to crucial intra- and extracellular messengers as well as important regulators controlling a wide spectrum of signaling pathways
Controlled ROS homeostasis is critical for maintaining normal cell functions and any disruption in the oxidation-antioxidation balance leads to oxidative stress associated with a wide spectrum of human disorders such as chronic inflammation, age-related diseases, and cancers
Summary
The next topic highlighted in this issue is devoted to ROS in tumor immunology. A review by X. Editorial Reactive Oxygen Species in Cancer Biology and Anticancer Therapy Controlled ROS homeostasis is critical for maintaining normal cell functions and any disruption in the oxidation-antioxidation balance leads to oxidative stress associated with a wide spectrum of human disorders such as chronic inflammation, age-related diseases, and cancers.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
