Ferroptosis in ovarian cancer drug resistance: A literature review ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer (OC) is among the most prevalent malignant tumors of the female reproductive system. Its high mortality rate is strongly associated with the development of chemotherapy resistance, making research into resistance mechanisms critical for improving patient outcomes. In recent years, ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of cell death, has garnered significant attention in tumor resistance research due to its unique regulatory mechanisms. Studies indicate that ferroptosis contributes to OC resistance by modulating pathways including lipid peroxidation, iron metabolism, and antioxidant systems; however, its precise molecular mechanisms remain incompletely elucidated. Furthermore, the interaction between ferroptosis and resistance to conventional chemotherapy agents in OC has emerged as a research hotspot. This systematic review examines the fundamental characteristics of ferroptosis and its potential mechanisms in OC resistance, while exploring therapeutic strategies targeting ferroptosis-related pathways to reverse drug resistance. By synthesizing existing research advances, this paper aims to provide new theoretical foundations to deepen our understanding of OC resistance mechanisms and to suggest potential directions for developing novel targeted therapeutic approaches.