Selenium Nanoparticles in Cancer Therapy: Unveiling Cytotoxic Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential

ABSTRACT Background Cancer represents a complex group of diseases characterized by abnormal cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. These features pose significant challenges to conventional therapeutic approaches, necessitating the development of more targeted and effective treatment strategi...

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Main Authors: Sumaira Anjum, Mariam Hashim, Maham Imran, Sundus Babur, Sanniah Adnan, Christophe Hano, Wisam Nabeel Ibrahim
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2025-06-01
Series:Cancer Reports
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1002/cnr2.70210
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author Sumaira Anjum
Mariam Hashim
Maham Imran
Sundus Babur
Sanniah Adnan
Christophe Hano
Wisam Nabeel Ibrahim
author_facet Sumaira Anjum
Mariam Hashim
Maham Imran
Sundus Babur
Sanniah Adnan
Christophe Hano
Wisam Nabeel Ibrahim
author_sort Sumaira Anjum
collection DOAJ
description ABSTRACT Background Cancer represents a complex group of diseases characterized by abnormal cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. These features pose significant challenges to conventional therapeutic approaches, necessitating the development of more targeted and effective treatment strategies. Objective This review aims to explore the potential of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) as a novel therapeutic tool in cancer treatment, emphasizing their cytotoxic mechanisms and advantages over conventional therapies and other nanoparticles. Methods The review synthesizes findings from recent studies investigating the therapeutic properties of SeNPs in cancer models. Emphasis is placed on their ability to selectively target malignant cells, modulate redox status, and influence tumor‐associated cellular processes such as autophagy and microRNA regulation. Results SeNPs demonstrate intrinsic antioxidant properties that counteract oxidative stress commonly observed in cancer cells. They modulate critical cellular pathways and exhibit selective toxicity, damaging cancer cells while sparing healthy tissues. Additionally, their biocompatibility and capacity to deliver therapeutic agents contribute to improved safety and efficacy compared to other nanoparticle platforms. Conclusion Selenium nanoparticles hold significant promise as a next‐generation cancer treatment modality. Their dual function—serving as both therapeutic agents and drug delivery vehicles—positions them as a powerful tool in precision oncology. By minimizing off‐target effects and enhancing targeted drug delivery, SeNPs have the potential to advance the landscape of cancer theragnostics.
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publishDate 2025-06-01
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spelling doaj-art-b6e2a5b546284eb98c2e28f4436fdbe02025-08-20T02:22:02ZengWileyCancer Reports2573-83482025-06-0186n/an/a10.1002/cnr2.70210Selenium Nanoparticles in Cancer Therapy: Unveiling Cytotoxic Mechanisms and Therapeutic PotentialSumaira Anjum0Mariam Hashim1Maham Imran2Sundus Babur3Sanniah Adnan4Christophe Hano5Wisam Nabeel Ibrahim6Department of Biotechnology Kinnaird College for Women Lahore PakistanDepartment of Biotechnology Kinnaird College for Women Lahore PakistanDepartment of Biotechnology Kinnaird College for Women Lahore PakistanDepartment of Biotechnology Kinnaird College for Women Lahore PakistanDepartment of Biotechnology Kinnaird College for Women Lahore PakistanLaboratoire de Biologie Des Ligneux et Des Grandes Cultures INRAE USC1328, Eure & Loir Campus, University of Orleans Chartres FranceDepartment of Biomedical Science College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University Doha QatarABSTRACT Background Cancer represents a complex group of diseases characterized by abnormal cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. These features pose significant challenges to conventional therapeutic approaches, necessitating the development of more targeted and effective treatment strategies. Objective This review aims to explore the potential of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) as a novel therapeutic tool in cancer treatment, emphasizing their cytotoxic mechanisms and advantages over conventional therapies and other nanoparticles. Methods The review synthesizes findings from recent studies investigating the therapeutic properties of SeNPs in cancer models. Emphasis is placed on their ability to selectively target malignant cells, modulate redox status, and influence tumor‐associated cellular processes such as autophagy and microRNA regulation. Results SeNPs demonstrate intrinsic antioxidant properties that counteract oxidative stress commonly observed in cancer cells. They modulate critical cellular pathways and exhibit selective toxicity, damaging cancer cells while sparing healthy tissues. Additionally, their biocompatibility and capacity to deliver therapeutic agents contribute to improved safety and efficacy compared to other nanoparticle platforms. Conclusion Selenium nanoparticles hold significant promise as a next‐generation cancer treatment modality. Their dual function—serving as both therapeutic agents and drug delivery vehicles—positions them as a powerful tool in precision oncology. By minimizing off‐target effects and enhancing targeted drug delivery, SeNPs have the potential to advance the landscape of cancer theragnostics.https://doi.org/10.1002/cnr2.70210cancerin vitrooxidative stressROSselenium nanoparticlesselenoproteins
spellingShingle Sumaira Anjum
Mariam Hashim
Maham Imran
Sundus Babur
Sanniah Adnan
Christophe Hano
Wisam Nabeel Ibrahim
Selenium Nanoparticles in Cancer Therapy: Unveiling Cytotoxic Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential
Cancer Reports
cancer
in vitro
oxidative stress
ROS
selenium nanoparticles
selenoproteins
title Selenium Nanoparticles in Cancer Therapy: Unveiling Cytotoxic Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential
title_full Selenium Nanoparticles in Cancer Therapy: Unveiling Cytotoxic Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential
title_fullStr Selenium Nanoparticles in Cancer Therapy: Unveiling Cytotoxic Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential
title_full_unstemmed Selenium Nanoparticles in Cancer Therapy: Unveiling Cytotoxic Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential
title_short Selenium Nanoparticles in Cancer Therapy: Unveiling Cytotoxic Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential
title_sort selenium nanoparticles in cancer therapy unveiling cytotoxic mechanisms and therapeutic potential
topic cancer
in vitro
oxidative stress
ROS
selenium nanoparticles
selenoproteins
url https://doi.org/10.1002/cnr2.70210
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AT sundusbabur seleniumnanoparticlesincancertherapyunveilingcytotoxicmechanismsandtherapeuticpotential
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