Gas-mediated reinforcement of cancer therapies: emerging strategies and future perspectives

Abstract

Cancer therapy has made notable progress in moving towards more precise, intelligent and personalized treatment modes. However, current approaches such as chemotherapy, phototherapy, sonodynamic therapy, and immune therapy still suffer from limitations, hindering their application in clinical practice. Gasotransmitters have long been recognized as key regulators in cancer pathology, and the development of novel therapeutic agents with gas-releasing ability aiming to establish new therapeutic modes has garnered considerable attention. In this perspective, we aim to summarize the critical roles of gaseous molecules in cancer biology and their potential mechanisms for enhancing the efficacy of dominant treatment modalities. We also provide insights into recent advances in integrating gas therapy with conventional treatments to overcome current challenges and improve therapeutic outcomes, ultimately paving the way for the development of next-generation treatment paradigms.