Lenvatinib induces ferroptosis-related changes in osteosarcoma cells involving the p-STAT3/p53/xCT axis

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Lenvatinib effectively inhibits the proliferation of osteosarcoma cells, particularly in 143B and U2OS cell lines.
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The drug induces ferroptosis-related changes, evidenced by mitochondrial alterations and increased levels of reactive oxygen species.
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Lenvatinib treatment leads to increased p53 expression and decreased xCT expression, modulating ferroptosis-related genes.
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Inhibition of STAT3 phosphorylation by lenvatinib is crucial for its effects on p53 and ferroptosis in osteosarcoma cells.
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These findings suggest that lenvatinib's antitumor effects are mediated through the p-STAT3/p53/xCT pathway, highlighting potential therapeutic strategies.

Frontiers In Oncology

by Chunwang Yang, Yulong Ma, Wenxiang Shen, Xiaozhong Ma, Xiang Liu, Shaowen Du, Kaishan Ye
May 29, 2026

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