Mechanism of metal ion-induced cell death in gastrointestinal cancer

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer is one of the most severe types of cancer, with a significant impact on human health worldwide. Due to the urgent demand for more effective therapeutic strategies against GI cancers, novel research on metal ions for treating GI cancers has attracted increasing attention. Currently, with accumulating research on the relationship between metal ions and cancer therapy, several metal ions have been discovered to induce cell death. In particular, the three novel modes of cell death, including ferroptosis, cuproptosis, and calcicoptosis, have become focal points of research in the field of cancer. Meanwhile, other metal ions have also been found to trigger cell death through various mechanisms. Accordingly, this review focuses on the mechanisms of metal ion-induced cell death in GI cancers, hoping to provide theoretical support for further GI cancer therapies. [Display omitted] •Metal ions can trigger cell death in gastrointestinal cancer in various ways.•Maintaining metal ion homeostasis is crucial.•Metal ion therapy promises new weapons against gastrointestinal cancer.•Metallic nanoparticles for clinical applications deserve further exploration.