Inhibition of cancer metabolism: a patent landscape

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Biochemistry
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Cancer cells exhibit altered metabolic pathways to support uncontrolled proliferation.
• Enzymes involved in cancer metabolism are promising targets for drug development.
• The tricarboxylic acid cycle is a critical hub for cancer cell energy production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current efforts in targeting cancer metabolism, specifically the tricarboxylic acid cycle.
• To provide a landscape of small-molecule inhibitors against cancer-associated metabolic enzymes.
• To identify areas ripe for novel therapeutic interventions in cancer metabolism.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of small-molecule inhibitors.
• Focus on enzymes within the tricarboxylic acid cycle and nutrient-feeding mechanisms.
• Analysis of drug targets implicated in cancer progression.

Main Results:

• A broad landscape of small-molecule inhibitors targeting over a dozen proteins is presented.
• Key enzymes in the tricarboxylic acid cycle and their regulatory mechanisms are discussed.
• The review highlights extensively studied and emerging targets in cancer metabolism.

Conclusions:

• Targeting cancer metabolism, particularly the tricarboxylic acid cycle, is a significant area of research.
• Small-molecule inhibitors offer a promising pharmacological approach for cancer treatment.
• Further research into novel interventions targeting cancer metabolic pathways is warranted.