Nutrient Exploitation within the Tumor-Stroma Metabolic Crosstalk
Andrea Morandi1, Elisa Giannoni1, Paola Chiarugi2
1Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Viale G.B. Morgagni, 50, 50134 Florence, Italy.
The tumor microenvironment influences cancer malignancy and metastasis. Targeting metabolic reprogramming and tumor-stroma interactions offers new therapeutic strategies for aggressive cancers.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Biology
- Metabolism
Background:
- The tumor microenvironment (TME) critically influences tumor progression, malignancy, and metastasis.
- Aggressive cancer cells exhibit metabolic plasticity, stemness, and chemoresistance.
- Stromal cells like cancer-associated fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and immune cells shape cancer cell metabolism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on metabolic reprogramming in cancer.
- To discuss the metabolic crosstalk between tumor and stroma.
- To explore therapeutic compounds targeting tumor-stroma metabolic symbiosis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on cancer metabolism.
- Analysis of the role of the TME in cancer progression.
- Identification of therapeutic strategies targeting metabolic pathways.
Main Results:
- Metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of aggressive cancers.
- Tumor-stroma metabolic crosstalk significantly impacts cancer behavior.
- Targeting metabolic symbiosis presents a promising therapeutic avenue.
Conclusions:
- Understanding cancer cell metabolism and its interaction with the TME is crucial for developing effective cancer therapies.
- Targeting metabolic vulnerabilities in the tumor-stroma axis holds potential for overcoming chemoresistance and metastasis.
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