Copper’s Double-Edged Sword: A New Frontier in Cancer Therapy and Nanomedicine
A comprehensive review in *Molecular Pharmaceutics* explores the intricate role of copper in cancer biology, from its essential homeostatic functions to its potential as a lethal weapon. The article details how dysregulated copper metabolism is a hallmark of tumorigenesis, supporting angiogenesis, metastasis, and oncogenic signaling pathways. Crucially, it deciphers the emerging concept of “cuproptosis”—a novel form of regulated cell death triggered by copper overload, distinct from apoptosis. The review then connects these biological mechanisms to cutting-edge therapeutic strategies, focusing on the design of copper-based nanomedicines that can exploit cancer-specific vulnerabilities for targeted therapy.
Why it might matter to you: This research directly addresses the core challenge of drug resistance by outlining a novel cell death pathway that could bypass traditional apoptotic defects common in tumors. For professionals focused on precision oncology, understanding cuproptosis opens avenues for new biomarker development and combination therapies. The focus on nanomedicine translates fundamental cancer biology into actionable therapeutic platforms, highlighting a strategic shift towards leveraging intrinsic tumor metabolism for next-generation targeted interventions.
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