Iron metabolism, ferroptosis and cancer

Abstract

In 2012 the new, iron-dependent form of cell death - ferroptosis - distinct from apoptosis, autophagy and programmed necrosis at morphological, biochemical, and genetic levels has been described. In this review we will discuss the iron metabolism in physiological and pathological processes in humans, the molecular characteristics of ferroptosis and therapeutic options of cancer patients in the light of new data.