Role of sodium in cancer
Dysregulation of sodium homeostasis is a feature of cancer and is characterized by a significant increase in intracellular sodium levels.
Sodium affects cancer metabolism and immune response, and triggers a novel form of cell death, known as necrosis induced by sodium overload (NECSO), when pharmacologically overloaded.
Low serum sodium ion levels (hyponatremia) correlate with antiapoptotic ability, invasion and metastasis, and chemotherapy and immunotherapy resistance in cancer.
Sodium-related transporters in cancer cells not only regulate the sodium ion concentration, but also effectively promote cancer cell proliferation and metastasis, and affect patient response to chemotherapy or immunotherapy.
Sodium-related transporter-targeted inhibitors have favorable inhibitory effects in preclinical models of specific cancer types, and thereby present innovative therapeutic options to advance cancer treatment.
https://www.cell.com/trends/pharmacological-sciences/fulltext/S0165-6147(25)00239-1
