Gas Therapy Shows Promise for Cancer Treatment and Imaging
Gas-Mediated Cancer Bioimaging and Therapy
Research hubs: Immune System · Respiratory System
- Evidence type
- Review or commentary
- Authors
- Lichan Chen, Shu-Feng Zhou, Lichao Su, Jibin Song
- Journal
- ACS Nano
- Year
- 2019
- PMID
- 31538764
- Study Type
- clinical
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 345 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- China
TL;DR
Scientists are developing new ways to use special gases like hydrogen and nitric oxide to both find and kill cancer cells in the body, kind of like using a tool that can spot the problem and fix it at the same time—but they still need to test these treatments more in real patients before doctors can actually use them.
Summary
Researchers conducted a comprehensive review of gas-mediated cancer therapy, examining how therapeutic gases like hydrogen (H2), nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), and others can treat cancer. The study analyzed stimuli-responsive gas-releasing molecules and nanogenerators that deliver these gases directly to tumors. These systems enable both cancer imaging and targeted treatment while minimizing side effects. The gases work through various mechanisms including reducing inflammation, cutting off tumor blood supply, and enhancing other treatments. While showing promising results in laboratory studies, researchers note that clinical translation remains challenging and requires further development before widespread medical use.
Abstract (excerpt)
Gas-involving cancer theranostics have attracted considerable attention in recent years due to their high therapeutic efficacy and biosafety. We have reviewed the recent significant advances in the development of stimuli-responsive gas releasing molecules (GRMs) and gas nanogenerators for cancer…