Nitro-fatty acids: promising agents for the development of new cancer therapeutics

Nitro-fatty acids (NO₂-FAs) are endogenous pleiotropic lipid mediators regarded as promising drug candidates for treating inflammatory and fibrotic diseases. Over the past two decades, the anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective actions of NO₂-FAs and several molecular targets have been identified. More recently, preclinical studies have demonstrated their potential as prospective cancer therapeutics with favorable safety and tumor-selective profiles. In this review, we describe the mechanisms of action, with a focus on NO₂-FA antineoplastic and chemosensitizing effects. We also address the potential therapeutic applications of endogenous and structurally modified NO₂-FAs species in cancer treatment.