The expression and function of many
ion channels and transporters in
cancer cells display major differences in comparison to those from healthy cells. These differences provide the
cancer cells with advantages for
tumor development. Accordingly, targeting
ion channels and transporters have beneficial anticancer effects including inhibition of
cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion,
metastasis,
tumor vascularization, and
chemotherapy resistance, as well as promoting apoptosis. Some of the molecular mechanisms associating
ion channels and transporters with
cancer include the participation of oxidative stress, immune response, metabolic pathways, drug synergism, as well as noncanonical functions of
ion channels. This diversity of mechanisms offers an exciting possibility to suggest novel and more effective therapeutic approaches to fight
cancer. Here, we review and discuss most of the current knowledge suggesting novel therapeutic approaches for
cancer therapy targeting
ion channels and transporters. The role and regulation of
ion channels and transporters in
cancer provide a plethora of exceptional opportunities in drug design, as well as novel and promising therapeutic approaches that may be used for the benefit of
cancer patients.