A Practical Narrative Review on the Role of Magnesium in Cancer Therapy

Magnesium (Mg2+) has gained oncologists’ attention due to its wide range of biological functions and frequent use as a complementary or integrative agent. This review outlines Mg's actions, its complex role in carcinogenesis and tumor risk, and clinical issues. Mg2+ is essential in numerous biochemical processes, including adenosine triphosphate production, cellular signal transduction, DNA, RNA and protein synthesis, and bone formation. The authors conducted a literature review on MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, and the Web of Science to report the relationship between Mg2+ and cancer. Pertinent full-text articles were thoroughly examined, and the most relevant ones were selected for inclusion in this review. Mg2+ alterations are associated with cancer risk variably since scientific evidence is not univocal, except for colorectal cancer. Chronic Mg2+ deficiency leads to immune dysfunctions and enhanced baseline inflammation associated with oxidative stress related to various age-associated morbidities and cancer. On the other hand, Mg2+ deficiency is associated with several clinical settings, such as drug or chemotherapy-related hypomagnesemia, postoperative pain, cachexia, opioid-induced constipation, normal tissue protection from radiation damage, and prevention of nephrotoxicity. The issue of Mg2+ supplementation is also analyzed. A balanced diet usually provides sufficient Mg2+, but supplementation may be necessary in some clinical settings. Excessive supplementation can negatively impact immune function and should be avoided.