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Updated: Oct 19, 2025
Advancements in the Metabolic Profiling of Three-Dimensional Brain Tumor Spheroids for Drug Screening
Published on: September 5, 2025
Clinical Targeting of Altered Metabolism in High-Grade Glioma
Andrew J Scott1, Costas A Lyssiotis, Daniel R Wahl1
1From the Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center.
Abstract:
High-grade gliomas are among the deadliest of all cancers despite standard treatments, and new therapeutic strategies are needed to improve patient outcome. Targeting the altered metabolic state of tumors with traditional chemotherapeutic agents has a history of success, and our increased understanding of cellular metabolism in the past 2 decades has reinvigorated the concept of novel metabolic therapies in brain tumors. Here we highlight metabolic alterations in advanced gliomas and their translation into clinical trials using both novel agents and already established drugs repurposed for cancer treatment in an effort to improve outcome for these deadly diseases.
Insights
New therapeutic strategies targeting tumor metabolism are crucial for improving outcomes in high-grade gliomas (HGGs). This review explores metabolic alterations in advanced gliomas and their clinical applications for novel and repurposed cancer treatments.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Cancer Metabolism
- Translational Research
Background:
- High-grade gliomas (HGGs) remain highly lethal despite current treatments.
- Tumor cells exhibit distinct metabolic alterations crucial for their growth and survival.
- Advances in understanding cancer metabolism offer new therapeutic avenues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review metabolic alterations in advanced gliomas.
- To discuss the translation of these findings into clinical trials.
- To explore novel and repurposed drugs targeting glioma metabolism.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of metabolic alterations in high-grade gliomas.
- Analysis of clinical trial data for metabolic therapies.
- Discussion of therapeutic strategies targeting tumor metabolism.
Main Results:
- Significant metabolic reprogramming occurs in high-grade gliomas.
- Targeting these metabolic vulnerabilities shows promise in preclinical and clinical studies.
- Repurposing established drugs offers a viable strategy for novel glioma treatments.
Conclusions:
- Metabolic therapies represent a promising frontier for treating high-grade gliomas.
- Further clinical investigation of novel and repurposed agents is warranted.
- Personalized metabolic targeting may improve patient outcomes in neuro-oncology.
