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Published on: February 8, 2017
Metabolism in the progression and metastasis of brain tumors
Abhishek Tyagi1, Shih-Ying Wu1, Kounosuke Watabe1
1Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA.
Abstract:
Malignant brain tumors and metastases pose significant health problems and cause substantial morbidity and mortality in children and adults. Based on epidemiological evidence, gliomas comprise 30% and 80% of primary brain tumors and malignant tumors, respectively. Brain metastases affect 15-30% of cancer patients, particularly primary tumors of the lung, breast, colon, and kidney, and melanoma. Despite advancements in multimodal molecular targeted therapy and immunotherapy that do not ensure long-term treatment, malignant brain tumors and metastases contribute significantly to cancer related mortality. Recent studies have shown that metastatic cancer cells possess distinct metabolic traits to adapt and survive in new environment that differs significantly from the primary site in both nutrient composition and availability. As metabolic regulation lies at the intersection of many research areas, concerted efforts to understand the metabolic mechanism(s) driving malignant brain tumors and metastases may reveal novel therapeutic targets to prevent or reduce metastasis and predict biomarkers for the treatment of this aggressive disease. This review focuses on various aspects of metabolic signaling, interface between metabolic regulators and cellular processes, and implications of their dysregulation in the context of brain tumors and metastases.
Insights
Malignant brain tumors and metastases are deadly, but cancer cells have unique metabolic traits. Understanding these metabolic changes could lead to new therapies for brain cancers.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Metabolic Signaling
- Cancer Biology
Background:
- Malignant brain tumors and metastases cause significant morbidity and mortality in children and adults.
- Gliomas represent a substantial portion of primary and malignant brain tumors, while brain metastases affect 15-30% of cancer patients.
- Current treatments offer limited long-term success, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the metabolic signaling pathways involved in malignant brain tumors and metastases.
- To explore the interplay between metabolic regulators and cellular processes in brain cancer.
- To discuss the implications of metabolic dysregulation for therapeutic targeting and biomarker discovery.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on cancer cell metabolism.
- Analysis of epidemiological data on brain tumor and metastasis prevalence.
- Synthesis of information on metabolic adaptations in metastatic cancer cells.
Main Results:
- Metastatic cancer cells exhibit distinct metabolic adaptations to survive in the brain microenvironment.
- Metabolic regulation is a critical factor influencing brain tumor growth and metastasis.
- Dysregulated metabolism presents potential therapeutic targets and predictive biomarkers.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the metabolic mechanisms of brain tumors and metastases is crucial for developing effective treatments.
- Targeting metabolic pathways may offer novel strategies to prevent or reduce metastasis.
- Metabolic profiling could aid in predicting treatment response and patient outcomes.
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