Gas-mediated cancer therapy: advances in delivery strategies and therapeutic mechanisms

Abstract

Gas therapy represents a novel anti-cancer strategy based on endogenous gas molecules. This approach offers several advantages over traditional therapies, including reduced drug resistance and enhanced tissue permeability, making it a prominent research focus in precise cancer treatment. To achieve effective gas therapy, researchers have developed increasingly innovative gas delivery systems and material platforms. Here, we review recent advances in gas therapy, especially those involving oxygen (O2), carbon monoxide (CO), nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen (H2). We focus on introducing the cellular action mechanisms of various gases, newly developed methods for gas generation or transportation, and their main applications in cancer therapy. Moreover, the existing deficiencies in current strategies and the future development directions of gas-mediated cancer therapy are discussed.