Abstract
Introduction. The antitumor effects of selenium compounds depend on their structure and biotransformation. Toxic metabolite formation may coexist with enhanced selenoprotein-mediated protection of tumor cells; chemical reactivity does not establish therapeutic efficacy.
Objective. To summarize the redox mechanisms of selenium compounds and propose criteria for anticancer drug development.
Material and methods. This narrative review examined primary studies from PubMed, PubMed Central, and journal websites through September 23, 2026. Clinical studies, animal experiments, cell-culture experiments, and cell-free chemical studies were assessed separately.
Key findings. Selenite, selenoamino acids, methylseleninic acid, ebselen, and selenium nanoparticles were compared. Hydrogen selenide and methylselenol mediate the effects of several compounds but do not explain the activity of all selenium-containing substances. Cellular responses depend on thiol availability, oxygen supply, and selenium disposal pathways. L-Selenocysteine is distinguished from L-selenocystine, the oxidation product of two L-selenocysteine molecules. Chemical and peptide constructs provide a basis for further research rather than established anticancer treatments. Proposed assessments address active-species identification, causal mechanisms of tumor-cell death, selectivity, and achievable exposure in vivo.
Conclusion. A selenium compound intended for anticancer drug development should reproducibly suppress tumors while limiting injury to normal tissues. Chemical activity does not replace preclinical and clinical evaluation of efficacy and safety. The proposed selection criteria constitute a research framework requiring experimental validation.
Keywords
Authors and affiliations
https://elibrary.ru/cvzveu P.A. Poluboyarinov(1), D.G. Elistratov(2), I.Ya. Moiseeva1, A.V. Mitishev(1), V.S. Pogodina(1), A.V. Kuznetsova(1)
1-Federal state Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Penza state University”, Krasnaya St., 40,
Penza 440026, Russian Federation; 2-Parapharm LLC, 116-a Kalinina St., Penza 440033, Russian Federation
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