An Update on Patents Covering Agents That Interfere with the Cancer Glycolytic Cascade

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Oncology
• Metabolic pathways

Background:

• Tumors display altered metabolism, favoring glycolysis over oxidative phosphorylation (the Warburg effect), irrespective of oxygen availability.
• This metabolic shift is driven by gene regulation leading to overexpression of glycolytic enzymes and transporters.
• These glycolytic components represent promising targets for selective anti-cancer therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recently patented bioactive molecules targeting cancer glycolysis.
• To update on the application of these molecules in combination therapies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent patents.
• Analysis of molecules interfering with key glycolytic targets.
• Examination of combination therapy strategies.

Main Results:

• Identification of novel patented molecules targeting glucose transporters, hexokinase, 6-phosphofructokinase, enolase, pyruvate kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, and monocarboxylate transporters.
• Overview of emerging combination therapies utilizing these targeted molecules.

Conclusions:

• Targeting cancer cell glycolysis with novel molecules shows therapeutic potential.
• Combination therapies involving these agents may enhance anti-cancer efficacy.