Abstract

The relationship between Mg and cancer is still a hank to disentangle. The knowledge derived from preclinical studies reveals a complex scenario in which low magnesium has both anti- and pro-tumor effects, such as inhibition of tumor growth at its primary site and facilitation of tumor implantation at its metastatic sites. In different cell types, neoplastic transformation dramatically disrupts the controlled and coordinated fluctuations of intracellular magnesium, an event which offers selective advantages to the cells. It is difficult to translate the lesson learnt from experimental models to humans. Based on epidemiological studies, Mg deficiency seems to be linked to increased risk of some types of cancers. The demonstration of an impairment of magnesium homeostasis in oncologic patients further complicates the field. We need more translational and clinical data to draw firm conclusions about the contribution of magnesium to tumors.

Introduction

Although cancer mortality has declined in the last two decades, particularly in western countries (Jemal et al, 2010), cancer exacts a very high toll as a leading cause of death all over the world. Great strides have been made to disclose the molecular bases of neoplasia, but how to prevent or cure cancer still remains a largely unanswered question.