Unveiling the metal-driven death: ferroptosis and cuproptosis in leukemia.

Cell death is essential for tumor cells and can occur due to damage or aging. Traditional concepts such as necrosis and apoptosis do not completely account for it. New forms, such as cuproptosis and ferroptosis, involve metal ion buildup and relate to cell metabolism, signaling, and drug resistance. These forms are particularly relevant in leukemia development. This review discusses the advancements in understanding the mechanisms of ferroptosis and cuproptosis and their impact on leukemia, opportunities and challenges in leukemia treatment are explored, emphasizing the potential therapeutic direction of ferroptosis and cuproptosis, to provide new theoretical basis and strategies for the treatment of clinical leukemia diseases.