Revisiting prostate cancer metabolism: From metabolites to disease and therapy

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Cancer Metabolism
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Prostate cancer (PCa) is a leading global cancer with significant unmet treatment needs.
• Tumor cell metabolic reprogramming is a promising area for cancer therapy development.
• PCa exhibits unique metabolic characteristics and activated pathways, suggesting metabolic inhibitors as a treatment strategy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge of PCa metabolism and its alterations.
• To highlight the role of glucose, lipids, and glutamine in PCa cell survival and growth.
• To examine the influence of oncogenes, tumor suppressors, and hormones on PCa metabolic reprogramming.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of PCa metabolism.
• Analysis of metabolic pathways critical to PCa development and progression.
• Examination of therapeutic strategies targeting PCa metabolic pathways.

Main Results:

• PCa cells exhibit specific metabolic alterations supporting survival and growth.
• Bioenergetic sources like glucose, lipids, and glutamine are crucial for PCa.
• Oncogenes, tumor suppressors, and sex steroid hormones significantly impact PCa metabolic reprogramming.

Conclusions:

• Understanding PCa metabolism provides critical insights for clinical and therapeutic advancements.
• Targeting specific metabolic pathways represents a viable therapeutic approach for prostate cancer.
• This review updates the understanding of PCa metabolism, emphasizing its therapeutic potential.