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The Influence of Metabolism on Drug Response in Cancer

Esther A Zaal1, Celia R Berkers1,2

  • 1Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.

Frontiers in Oncology
|November 21, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Cancer cells develop resistance to therapies through altered metabolism. Understanding these metabolic changes is key to overcoming drug resistance and improving cancer treatment outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Biology
  • Metabolic Research

Background:

  • Therapeutic agent resistance is a significant challenge in cancer treatment across all modalities.
  • Cancer cells exhibit altered cellular metabolism, crucial for their growth and proliferation.
  • Metabolic reprogramming is increasingly recognized as a factor influencing cancer cell sensitivity to chemotherapy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review metabolic alterations associated with resistance to various anticancer agents.
  • To explore the potential of exploiting metabolic pathways to overcome chemotherapy resistance.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies investigating cancer metabolism and drug resistance.
  • Analysis of metabolic pathways implicated in intrinsic and acquired resistance.
  • Synthesis of findings on the role of metabolism in mediating sensitivity to chemotherapeutics.

Main Results:

  • Metabolic alterations are a common hallmark of cancer cells contributing to resistance.
  • Specific metabolic pathways are linked to resistance against diverse anticancer drugs.
  • Rewired metabolism in cancer cells influences their response to conventional chemotherapy.

Conclusions:

  • Metabolic pathways are critical mediators of resistance to anticancer therapies.
  • Targeting metabolic alterations presents a promising strategy to overcome drug resistance.
  • Further research into cancer metabolism is essential for developing more effective cancer treatments.
Keywords:
BRAF inhibitorsbortezomibbreast cancercancer metabolismcisplatindrug resistancemelanomamultiple myeloma

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