Research on the molecular mechanisms and therapeutic strategies of reactive oxygen species in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Year: 2026
Type: review
Abstract: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) exhibits significant geographical clustering and etiological heterogeneity. It is particularly prevalent in Southeast Asia and is typically associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), as highly reactive oxygen metabolites, play a key role in regulating cellular signaling and maintaining redox homeostasis. Although the role of ROS in tumors has been well established, reviews examining how ROS influence NPC and their potential therapeutic applications remain relatively scarce. ROS exert diverse effects in NPC, including roles in EBV-associated processes, regulation of programmed cell death, metabolic reprogramming, formation of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and epigenetic remodeling. In addition, natural small-molecule compounds that regulate ROS levels and emerging combination therapy strategies have considerable therapeutic potential in NPC. This review discusses the dual role of ROS in NPC, examines their contributions to disease development, and further explores how these mechanisms could inform the design of ROS-targeted therapies, as well as the associated translational challenges.
Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology
Authors: Yuting Gu, Bi Qiang
Institutions: Yangtze University, First People's Hospital of Jingzhou
Language: English
Topic: Head and Neck Cancer Studies
Subfield: Otorhinolaryngology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
OpenAlex ID: W7222641951