Research Progress of Lithium in Cancer Treatment

Cancer constitutes one of the paramount health threats to humanity. Data from the World Health Organization's (WHO) 2019 global mortality statistics indicate that cancer is the leading cause of mortality in 57 countries which include China. Cancer research has garnered paramount attention within the medical research community as a critical public health issue. Beyond conventional treatment modalities metal ion therapy has emerged as a viable option for eliminating tumor cells. This therapeutic approach not only exhibits a reduced incidence of adverse effects but also demonstrates lower potential for drug resistance. In recent years both domestic and international research endeavors have uncovered that lithium may possess promising utility in the realm of cancer therapy. The objective of this paper is to encapsulate the biological impacts of lithium on tumors and to review the mechanisms clinical applications and challenges associated with its usage in cancer therapy.