The Relationship of Redox With Hallmarks of Cancer: The Importance of Homeostasis and Context

Redox homeostasis is a lifelong pursuit of cancer cells. Depending on the context, reactive oxygen species (ROS) exert paradoxical effects on cancers; an appropriate concentration stimulates tumorigenesis and supports the progression of cancer cells, while an excessive concentration leads to cell death. The upregulated antioxidant system in cancer cells limits ROS to a tumor-promoting level. In cancers, redox regulation interacts with tumor initiation, proliferation, metastasis, programmed cell death, autophagy, metabolic reprogramming, the tumor microenvironment, therapies, and therapeutic resistance to facilitate cancer development. This review discusses redox control and the major hallmarks of cancer.

Automated summary

Redox homeostasis plays a crucial role in the development of cancer cells, with reactive oxygen species (ROS) exerting paradoxical effects. In an appropriate concentration, ROS stimulates tumorigenesis and supports cancer cell progression, while excessive concentration leads to cell death. Cancer cells upregulate their antioxidant system to limit ROS to a level that promotes tumor growth. Redox regulation interacts with various aspects of cancer, including tumor initiation, proliferation, metastasis, programmed cell death, autophagy, metabolic reprogramming, the tumor microenvironment, therapies, and therapeutic resistance.