Oliver Micke1, Jens Büntzel2, Ralph Mücke3, Klaus Kisters4
1Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Franziskus Hospital, Bielefeld, DE
2Department of Otolaryngology, Südharz Hospital Nordhausen, Nordhausen, DE
3Radiotherapy RheinMainNahe, Bad Kreuznach, DE
4Operasan Dialysis Center, Herne, DE
Purpose: In recent years, the relationship between magnesium and oncology has garnered increasing attention, with researchers delving deeper into its multifaceted roles within cancer biology. Magnesium, an essential mineral, plays a pivotal role in numerous cellular processes, including DNA repair, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. As such, alterations in magnesium levels or dysregulation of magnesium-dependent pathways can significantly impact cancer development, progression, and treatment outcomes.
Materials and methods: A literature search of “magnesium” and the search terms “oncology”, “cancer”, “tumor”, “neoplasm”, “radiotherapy”, “chemotherapy” was performed in the PubMed database. Furthermore, quotations in the publications found were used.
Results: One main area of focus in current research is magnesium’s involvement in cellular signaling pathways critical to cancer pathogenesis. Studies have revealed its modulation of key pathways such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR and NF-κB, which regulate cell survival, proliferation, and inflammation. Dysregulation of these pathways is commonly observed in various cancer types, implicating magnesium as a potential modulator of cancer cell behavior.
Moreover, emerging evidence suggests magnesium’s influence on the tumor microenvironment, where it can modulate oxidative stress levels, tumor angiogenesis, and immune responses. Magnesium’s ability to regulate these factors underscores its significance in shaping the tumor milieu and influencing cancer progression and metastasis.
Magnesium levels can impact the efficacy and toxicity of certain chemotherapeutic drugs, highlighting the importance of monitoring magnesium status in cancer patients undergoing treatment. Additionally, magnesium supplementation has been explored as a potential adjunctive therapy to enhance the efficacy of conventional cancer treatments and mitigate treatment-related side effects.
So recent studies on the use of magnesium in nephrotoxic chemotherapies like cisplatinum clearly showed, that a pretreatment with magnesium has a special nephroprotection effect.
Conclusion: The evolving landscape of magnesium in oncology underscores its potential as a promising avenue for therapeutic intervention and personalized cancer care.