Ferroptosis: Promising approach for cancer and cancer immunotherapy

Ferroptosis is the cell death induced by ferrous ions and lipid peroxidation accumulation in tumor cells. Targeting ferroptosis, which is regulated by various metabolic and immune elements, might become a novel strategy for anti-tumor therapy. In this review, we will focus on the mechanism of ferroptosis and its interaction with cancer and tumor immune microenvironment, especially for the relationship between immune cells and ferroptosis. Also, we will discuss the latest preclinical progress of the collaboration between the ferroptosis-targeted drugs and immunotherapy, and the best potential conditions for their combined use. It will present a future insight on the possible value of ferroptosis in cancer immunotherapy.

Automated summary

Ferroptosis is a cell death that occurs due to the accumulation of ferrous ions and lipid peroxidation in tumor cells. Targeting ferroptosis as a novel strategy for anti-tumor therapy involves regulating various metabolic and immune elements. This review highlights the mechanism of ferroptosis, its interaction with cancer and tumor immune microenvironment, particularly the relationship between immune cells and ferroptosis. Additionally, it discusses the latest preclinical progress in combining ferroptosis-targeted drugs with immunotherapy, and the optimal conditions for their combined use, providing insight into the potential value of ferroptosis in cancer immunotherapy.