Novel Therapeutic Strategies for Tumor Treatment via Regulation of the Ferroptosis Mechanism Using Artemisinin Derivatives and Nanomedicines

Ferroptosis is a novel form of non-apoptotic programmed cell death (PCD), distinct from apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy. It is characterized by the accumulation of iron-dependent lipid peroxides (LPO) within cells to lethal levels. Artemisinin (ART) is a naturally occurring sesquiterpene lactone endoperoxide derived from Artemisia annua L. It is a natural compound with promising clinical applications, and its derivatives exhibit potent anticancer properties, including good biocompatibility, water solubility, tumor targeting ability, and high release efficiency. In recent years, increasing studies have revealed a close relationship between ART-based drugs (such as ART derivatives, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) based on ART, and ART nanodrugs) and ferroptosis. This paper reviews the mechanisms of ferroptosis and its regulatory pathways, systematically discussing the potential applications of various ART-based drugs as promising tumor treatment agents. A comprehensive understanding of the therapeutic potential of ART-based drugs in regulating ferroptosis may provide new strategies for developing the next generation of ART-derived medications. This review aims to offer critical insights and strategic guidance for drug discovery in the field of ferroptosis regulation.