Paradoxical action of reactive oxygen species in creation and therapy of cancer.

A great number of comprehensive literature believe that reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their products play a significant role in cell homeostasis maintenance, tissue protection against further insults by controlling cells proliferation through inducing apoptosis, and defending against cancer. ROS is believed to be like a potential double-edged sword in both cancer progression and prevention. Although at low and moderate levels ROS affect some of the most essential mechanisms of cell survival such as proliferation, angiogenesis and tumor invasion, at higher levels these agents can expose cells to detrimental consequences of oxidative stress including DNA damage and apoptosis that result in therapeutic effects on cancer. Understanding the new aspects on molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways modulating creation and therapy of cancers by ROS is critical in development of therapeutic strategies for patients suffering from cancer. This paper presents a general overview and rationale of paradoxical action of ROS in creation and therapy of cancer, tests to be used, and examples of how it may be applied.