Therapeutic Potential of Tumor Metabolic Reprogramming in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Cancer Biology
• Metabolic Signaling

Background:

• Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype characterized by high metastatic potential and poor prognosis.
• TNBC lacks estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and HER2 expression, presenting unique treatment challenges.
• The tumor microenvironment (TME) in TNBC is complex, featuring high stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), immunogenicity, and immunosuppression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review mechanisms of tumor metabolic reprogramming in TNBC.
• To link metabolic changes to targetable molecular mechanisms within the TME.
• To provide physical science-inspired insights for novel TNBC therapeutic strategies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on metabolic reprogramming in TNBC.
• Analysis of the interplay between tumor cell metabolism and the TME.
• Exploration of cell-cell communication signaling pathways in TNBC.

Main Results:

• Metabolic alterations within the TME significantly influence tumor development, stromal, and immune cell components.
• A complex crosstalk exists between metabolic signaling and the TME in TNBC.
• Understanding these interactions can reveal new therapeutic targets.

Conclusions:

• Metabolic reprogramming is a critical factor in TNBC progression and TME modulation.
• Targeting metabolic pathways and TME interactions presents promising avenues for TNBC treatment.
• Further research into these mechanisms can lead to innovative clinical strategies for TNBC cure.