What are the Clinical Implications of Hepcidin Dysregulation in Cancer?
The dysregulation of hepcidin in cancer patients can have several clinical implications:
Iron overload: Low hepcidin levels can lead to iron overload, which may increase oxidative stress and DNA damage, promoting tumor growth and metastasis. Anemia: High hepcidin levels can cause iron-restricted erythropoiesis, leading to anemia, which can significantly impact the quality of life and overall prognosis of cancer patients. Treatment resistance: Altered iron metabolism can influence the efficacy of certain cancer therapies, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
