Recent advances in anti-tumor mechanisms and biological applications of vanadium compounds.

Vanadium, a transition metal, has emerged as a promising element in the development of therapeutic drugs. While not an essential element for life, vanadium compounds have demonstrated significant potential as anticancer agents. Current evidence suggests that these compounds exert their anti-tumor effects through multiple mechanisms, including DNA damage, cell cycle regulation, induction of apoptosis and autophagy, inhibition of metastasis and invasion, and disruption of mitochondrial function. Furthermore, vanadium compounds have shown efficacy against a wide range of cancers, such as melanoma, breast, colorectal, pancreatic, liver, and central nervous system tumors, as well as oral squamous cell carcinoma. This review aims to comprehensively examine the anti-tumor properties and underlying mechanisms of various vanadium compounds while also providing an overview of their current biological applications.