# Iron metabolism: backfire of cancer cell stemness and therapeutic modalities

## TL;DR

This paper reviews how iron metabolism influences cancer stem cells and explores new therapeutic approaches to treat resistant cancers.

## Contribution

The paper highlights the novel role of iron metabolism in regulating cancer stem cells and resistance to therapy.

## Key findings

- Iron metabolism is a key regulator of cancer stem cells.
- Targeting iron biochemistry may overcome therapeutic resistance in cancer stem cells.

## Abstract

Cancer stem cells (CSCs), with their ability of self-renewal, unlimited proliferation, and multi-directional differentiation, contribute to tumorigenesis, metastasis, recurrence, and resistance to conventional therapy and immunotherapy. Eliminating CSCs has long been thought to prevent tumorigenesis. Although known to negatively impact tumor prognosis, research revealed the unexpected role of iron metabolism as a key regulator of CSCs. This review explores recent advances in iron metabolism in CSCs, conventional cancer therapies targeting iron biochemistry, therapeutic resistance in these cells, and potential treatment options that could overcome them. These findings provide important insights into therapeutic modalities against intractable cancers.