Ferroptosis—The “Double-Edged Sword” in Cancer: Mechanisms of Tumor Suppression/Resistance and Therapeutic Manipulation

Ferroptosis is a non-apoptotic, iron-dependent form of cell death. The characteristic accumulation of membrane lipid peroxides that occurs is controlled by several different mechanisms including redox homeostasis, the intracellular labile iron pool, and amino acid metabolism. In cancer, ferroptosis can contribute to either tumor progression or tumor suppression. When promoted in cancer cells, ferroptosis plays an innately tumor-suppressive role; however, it can negatively affect anticancer immunity, allowing for tumor growth and progression. Cells that are traditionally known to be resistant to apoptosis and other forms of cell death have demonstrated susceptibility to ferroptosis, making this form of cell death particularly useful in terms of cancer therapeutics. This narrative review will focus on the role of ferroptosis in cancer promotion or prevention and how it can be manipulated therapeutically-whether it be induced or inhibited.