Mechanism and application prospect of magnesium-based materials in cancer treatment

• The degradation of magnesium-based materials is influenced by various in vivo and in vitro factors, exerting antitumor effects through their degradation products. • Mg ions can comprehensively modulate the occurrence and metastasis of tumors through mechanisms including oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, gene expression, and so on. • H₂ can suppress the tumorigenesis via distinct mechanisms of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action. • Mg(OH) 2 can regulate the lactic acids and alter the local pH, impacting the tumor development. • The clinical use of magnesium-based materials in combination with various therapeutic approaches enhances the potential for cancer treatment. Magnesium-based materials, including magnesium alloys, have emerged as a promising class of biodegradable materials with potential applications in cancer therapy due to their unique properties, including biocompatibility, biodegradability, and the ability to modulate the tumor microenvironment. The main degradation products of magnesium alloys are magnesium ions (Mg 2+ ), hydrogen (H 2 ), and magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH) 2 ). Magnesium ions can regulate tumor growth and metastasis by mediating the inflammatory response and oxidative stress, maintaining genomic stability, and affecting the tumor microenvironment. Similarly, hydrogen can inhibit tumorigenesis through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, Mg(OH) 2 can alter the pH of the microenvironment, impacting tumorigenesis. Biodegradable magnesium alloys serve various functions in clinical applications, including, but not limited to, bone fixation, coronary stents, and drug carriers. Nonetheless, the anti-tumor mechanism associated with magnesium-based materials has not been thoroughly investigated. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of magnesium-based therapies for cancer. It highlights the mechanisms of action, identifies the challenges that must be addressed, and discusses prospects for oncological applications.