Abstract：Trace elements are important and indispensable nutrients in human metabolism and their intake is relatively small but
they are essential for maintaining normal physiological functions of the human body. Many patients receiving nutritional therapy have
varying degrees of trace element deficiency due to various reasons leading to disease progression and affecting clinical
outcomes. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and poses a major threat to human health. In recent years the role of
selenium as an essential trace element in the prevention and treatment of cancer has attracted much attention. Studies have shown that
adequate selenium intake can reduce the risk of some types of cancer and has shown significant potential in improving the efficacy of
chemotherapy and radiotherapy and reducing the side effects of treatment. Selenium plays an important role in anti-tumor processes
through its antioxidant anti - inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. The specific mechanisms include enhancing the
activities of antioxidant enzymes inducing apoptosis inhibiting tumor angiogenesis and regulating the immune system. Compared with
traditional anticancer drugs selenium has significant advantages in multi - target action low toxicity and side effects and cost -
effectiveness. In addition selenium supplementation has shown promising effects in reducing toxic reactions caused by chemotherapy
and radiotherapy. This article reviews the application progress of selenium in the prevention and treatment of tumors and analyzes its
auxiliary role in chemotherapy radiotherapy and immunotherapy in order to provide new ideas for clinical practice and improve the
treatment effect and quality of life of cancer patients.
于志盟,刘英华. 微量元素硒在肿瘤防治中的研究进展[J]. 肿瘤代谢与营养电子杂志, 2025, 12(1): 30-36.
Yu Zhimeng, Liu Yinghua. Research progress of trace element selenium in cancer prevention and treatment. Electron J Metab Nutr Cancer, 2025, 12(1): 30-36.
