Inorganic Nanomedicine-Mediated Ferroptosis: A Synergistic Approach to Combined Cancer Therapies and Immunotherapy

Simple Summary Ferroptosis is a regulated form of cell death driven by iron and lipid peroxidation, showing great potential in cancer therapy, particularly for tumors that resist conventional treatments. In our review, we focus on the role of inorganic nanoparticles in inducing ferroptosis and how this can be combined with therapies such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and phototherapy. These nanoparticles not only trigger ferroptosis to kill cancer cells but also enhance the body's immune system response against tumors. The review discusses significant progress in using nanomedicine to promote ferroptosis and highlights its potential to improve treatment outcomes. Additionally, we explore the metabolic processes involved, particularly how interactions between iron, lipid, and redox pathways regulate ferroptosis in tumor cells. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing more effective cancer treatments. As research in this field advances, the opportunity to move ferroptosis-based therapies from the lab to clinical practice increases. This combination of ferroptosis with inorganic nanomedicine offers a promising strategy for creating more targeted and powerful cancer therapies, ultimately improving patient survival and expanding treatment possibilities.Abstract Ferroptosis, a form of regulated cell death characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation, has generated substantial interest in cancer therapy. Various methods have been developed to induce ferroptosis in tumor cells, including approved drugs, experimental compounds, and nanomedicine formulations. Unlike apoptosis, ferroptosis presents unique molecular and cellular features, representing a promising approach for cancers resistant to conventional treatments. Recent research indicates a strong link between ferroptosis and the tumor immune microenvironment, suggesting the potential of ferroptosis to trigger robust antitumor immune responses. Multiple cellular metabolic pathways control ferroptosis, including iron, lipid, and redox metabolism. Thus, understanding the interaction between tumor metabolism and ferroptosis is crucial for developing effective anticancer therapies. This review provides an in-depth discussion on combining inorganic nanoparticles with cancer therapies such as phototherapy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy, and the role of ferroptosis in these combination treatments. Furthermore, this paper explores the future of tumor treatment using nanomedicine, focusing on how inorganic nanoparticles can enhance ferroptosis in tumor cells and boost antitumor immunity. The goal is to advance ferroptosis-based nanomedicine from the laboratory to clinical applications.