ROLE OF SUPEROXIDE-DISMUTASE IN CANCER - REVIEW

  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • review article
    • Vol. 39  (4) , 1141-1149
Abstract
Diminished amounts of Mn-containing superoxide dismutase [EC 1.15.1.1] were found in all [human and animal] tumors examined. Lowered amounts of the Cu-Zn-containing superoxide dismutase were found in many, but not all, tumors. Tumors produce superoxide radicals. Diminished enzyme activities along with radical production may lead to many of the observed properties of cancer cells. The apparent exploitation of the differences between normal and cancer cell superoxide dismutase activity in the treatment of cancer is discussed.