Balancing oxidative stress: Antioxidants as Allies and adversaries in cancer treatment

• Author Details:   
• Geeta Shinde
• Snehal Kadam
• Shivani Kale
• Aman Upaganlawar ^*
• Manojkumar Mahajan
• Chanrashekhar Upasani

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The medical repercussions of cancer span globally because genetic disposition and environmental elements together with life choices play a role in its development. Oxidative stress functions as a primary development factor because it emerges when reactive oxygen species (ROS) amount exceeds antioxidant defenses thereby producing DNA and lipid and protein damage that drives tumor initiation and tumor growth. The variations in chemical structure between endogenous and dietary antioxidants (including vitamins C and E, polyphenols, carotenoids) make them eligible for cancer therapy supplementation because of their capability to alter redox-sensitive biochemical processes and activate apoptosis and angio-inhibition and minimize inflammatory responses. Multiple studies based on preclinical and clinical investigations conclude that antioxidant-rich dietary intake helps decrease cancer susceptibility alongside improving therapeutic responses. The use of antioxidants encounters difficulties related to dosage-dependent pro-oxidant effects and determination of best supplement timing and possible tumor cell protection mechanisms. This review discusses the actual mechanisms of antioxidant use in cancer therapy while reviewing appropriate therapeutic applications together with exploration of their limitations and directions for further research.

Keywords: Cancer, oxidative stress, Reactive oxygen species (ROS), antioxidants, Redox balance, Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy, Phytochemicals, Antioxidant-rich diet, Cancer prevention, Precision medicine.