Open Access

Iron metabolism and the tumor microenvironment: A new perspective on cancer intervention and therapy (Review)

  • Authors:
    • Xiaorui Bu
    • Lufang Wang
  • View Affiliations

  • Published online on: December 31, 2024     https://doi.org/10.3892/ijmm.2024.5480
  • Article Number: 39
  • Copyright: © Bu et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License.

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Abstract

Iron metabolism plays a crucial role in the tumor microenvironment, influencing various aspects of cancer cell biology and tumor progression. This review discusses the regulatory mechanisms of iron metabolism within the tumor microenvironment and highlights how tumor cells and associated stromal cells manage iron uptake, accumulation and regulation. The sources of iron within tumors and the biological importance of ferroptosis in cancer were explored, focusing on its mechanisms, biological effects and, in particular, its tumor‑suppressive properties. Furthermore, the protective strategies employed by cancer cells to evade ferroptosis were examined. This review also delves into the intricate relationship between iron metabolism and immune modulation within the tumor microenvironment, detailing the impact on tumor‑associated immune cells and immune evasion. The interplay between ferroptosis and immunotherapy is discussed and potential strategies to enhance cancer immunotherapy by modulating iron metabolism are presented. Finally, the current ferroptosis‑based cancer therapeutic approaches were summarized and future directions for therapies that target iron metabolism were proposed.
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March-2025
Volume 55 Issue 3

Print ISSN: 1107-3756
Online ISSN:1791-244X

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Spandidos Publications style
Bu X and Wang L: Iron metabolism and the tumor microenvironment: A new perspective on cancer intervention and therapy (Review). Int J Mol Med 55: 39, 2025.
APA
Bu, X., & Wang, L. (2025). Iron metabolism and the tumor microenvironment: A new perspective on cancer intervention and therapy (Review). International Journal of Molecular Medicine, 55, 39. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijmm.2024.5480
MLA
Bu, X., Wang, L."Iron metabolism and the tumor microenvironment: A new perspective on cancer intervention and therapy (Review)". International Journal of Molecular Medicine 55.3 (2025): 39.
Chicago
Bu, X., Wang, L."Iron metabolism and the tumor microenvironment: A new perspective on cancer intervention and therapy (Review)". International Journal of Molecular Medicine 55, no. 3 (2025): 39. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijmm.2024.5480