A Review of Applications of Nanoceria in Cancer

Cancer is one of the most difficult diseases to treat in modern medicine. Annually, many articles are published that propose various ways for preventing carcinogenesis. Furthermore, research into cancer treatments is carried out with minimal side effects. The most common non-invasive cancer treatments include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. Low effectiveness of chemo-radiation therapy and normal tissue toxicity caused by these treatments are two of the most difficult challenges. Some medicines have been recommended as adjuvants to increase tumor responses while also reducing normal tissue damage. Cerium oxide as a nanoparticle (nanoceria, CNPs) has recieved a lot of interest as a way to control tumor and normal tissue responses to various cancer treatment regimens. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate that it can reduce chemo-radiation toxicity in normal tissues as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Furthermore, it has the ability to make cancer cells more sensitive to both chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In this paper, we reviewed the potential role of nanoceria for preserving normal tissues and sensitization of cancer cells in combination with different cancer treatment modalities.