Ferroptosis in urologic oncology: molecular mechanisms, morphological verification, and therapeutic potential

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Abstract

Ferroptosis is a form of regulated iron-dependent cell death driven by the accumulation of lipid peroxidation products and the disruption of redox homeostasis. This review systematizes current data on the role of ferroptosis in the pathogenesis of major urological malignancies, including prostate cancer, renal cell carcinoma, and urothelial carcinoma. The relationship between the specific metabolic profile of genitourinary tumors and their susceptibility to lipid peroxidation is analyzed. Mechanisms of ferroptosis suppression associated with androgen receptor activity, intracytoplasmic lipid metabolism, and the functioning of antioxidant defense systems are examined. Special emphasis is placed on the morphological criteria and ultrastructural features that enable the verification of ferroptosis in tumor tissue.

About the authors

Angelina O. Vlasova

Bashkir State Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia

Author for correspondence.
Email: angvlon@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0002-1818-5077
Russian Federation, 3 Lenina St., 450008 Ufa

V. S. Shchekin

Bashkir State Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia

Email: angvlon@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0003-2202-7071
Russian Federation, 3 Lenina St., 450008 Ufa

I. I. Teregulov

Bashkir State Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia

Email: angvlon@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0005-0062-3763
Russian Federation, 3 Lenina St., 450008 Ufa

T. I. Valinurov

Bashkir State Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia

Email: angvlon@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0004-9887-9865
Russian Federation, 3 Lenina St., 450008 Ufa

V. N. Pavlov

Bashkir State Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia

Email: angvlon@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0003-2125-4897
Russian Federation, 3 Lenina St., 450008 Ufa

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