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Published on: December 26, 2016
Targeting Metabolism in Cancer Cells and the Tumour Microenvironment for Cancer Therapy
Jiaqi Li1, Jie Qing Eu2, Li Ren Kong2,3
1School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0SP, UK.
Abstract:
Targeting altered tumour metabolism is an emerging therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. The metabolic reprogramming that accompanies the development of malignancy creates targetable differences between cancer cells and normal cells, which may be exploited for therapy. There is also emerging evidence regarding the role of stromal components, creating an intricate metabolic network consisting of cancer cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, endothelial cells, immune cells, and cancer stem cells. This metabolic rewiring and crosstalk with the tumour microenvironment play a key role in cell proliferation, metastasis, and the development of treatment resistance. In this review, we will discuss therapeutic opportunities, which arise from dysregulated metabolism and metabolic crosstalk, highlighting strategies that may aid in the precision targeting of altered tumour metabolism with a focus on combinatorial therapeutic strategies.
Insights
Targeting cancer
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Metabolism
Background:
- Tumor metabolism reprogramming is a hallmark of cancer.
- Metabolic differences between cancer and normal cells offer therapeutic targets.
- Tumor microenvironment interactions create complex metabolic networks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review therapeutic opportunities arising from altered tumor metabolism.
- To highlight metabolic crosstalk within the tumor microenvironment.
- To focus on precision targeting and combinatorial strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of cancer metabolism and tumor microenvironment interactions.
- Analysis of metabolic reprogramming in malignancy.
- Discussion of therapeutic strategies targeting metabolic pathways.
Main Results:
- Metabolic reprogramming creates exploitable vulnerabilities in cancer cells.
- Crosstalk between cancer cells and stromal components influences tumor progression.
- Targeting metabolic networks can impact proliferation, metastasis, and treatment resistance.
Conclusions:
- Altered tumor metabolism presents significant therapeutic opportunities.
- Understanding metabolic crosstalk is crucial for effective cancer treatment.
- Combinatorial strategies offer promise for precision targeting of tumor metabolism.
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