A recent study from Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) has shed light on the potential of flavonoids naturally occurring compounds found in plants to trigger ferroptosis, a unique form of cell death, as a novel approach to treating gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. The findings were published in the Journal of Advanced Research, a leading publication in the field of applied and natural sciences.

GI cancers represent a significant global health challenge, accounting for roughly 25% of all cancer cases and ranking third among cancer-related deaths. Alarmingly, cases of early-onset GI cancers in individuals under 50 are on the rise, driven by factors such as lifestyle changes, globalization, and shifting demographics.

Among GI cancers, colorectal cancer is the most prevalent, followed by cancers of the stomach, liver, pancreas, and esophagus. While most cases are sporadic, only a small percentage around 10% are linked to hereditary factors. Common risk contributors include poor dietary habits, obesity, smoking, and alcohol consumption.

Current treatment options involve a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies. However, the effectiveness of these treatments is often limited by cancer cells’ ability to resist therapy, spread, and stimulate blood vessel growth.

The WCM-Q study highlights ferroptosis a regulated, iron-dependent form of cell death caused by lipid peroxide accumulation as a promising therapeutic target. Researchers found that flavonoids can effectively induce ferroptosis, offering a potential alternative to conventional cancer treatments.

The article was authored by Ruqaia Shoheeduzzaman, a graduate of WCM-Q’s National Internship Program, with contributions from Dr. Dietrich Büsselberg, Dr. Samson Mathews Samuel, and Elizabeth Varghese, all affiliated with WCM-Q’s physiology and biophysics department.

The study emphasizes the evolving nature of cancer therapy and the growing interest in integrating natural compounds like flavonoids into treatment strategies. By harnessing these compounds, researchers hope to develop personalized therapies that overcome the limitations of existing treatments and pave the way for clinical applications.