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Published on: June 9, 2019
Therapeutic strategies targeting metabolic characteristics of cancer cells
Rilan Bai1, Ying Meng1, Jiuwei Cui1
1Cancer Center, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
Abstract:
Metabolic reprogramming is one of the important characteristics of cancer and is a key process leading to malignant proliferation, tumor development and treatment resistance. A variety of therapeutic drugs targeting metabolic reaction enzymes, transport receptors, and special metabolic processes have been developed. In this review, we investigate the characteristics of multiple metabolic changes in cancer cells, including glycolytic pathways, lipid metabolism, and glutamine metabolism changes, describe how these changes promote tumor development and tumor resistance, and summarize the progress and challenges of therapeutic strategies targeting various links of tumor metabolism in combination with current study data.
Insights
Cancer cells exhibit metabolic reprogramming, altering pathways like glycolysis, lipid, and glutamine metabolism. Targeting these metabolic changes offers promising therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment and overcoming resistance.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Metabolism
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of cancer, driving malignant proliferation and treatment resistance.
- Cancer cells exhibit distinct alterations in key metabolic pathways, including glycolysis, lipid, and glutamine metabolism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characteristics of metabolic changes in cancer cells.
- To describe how these metabolic alterations promote tumor development and resistance.
- To summarize therapeutic strategies targeting tumor metabolism.
Main Methods:
- Review of current scientific literature on cancer metabolism.
- Analysis of metabolic pathways (glycolysis, lipid, glutamine) in cancer.
- Evaluation of therapeutic approaches targeting metabolic vulnerabilities.
Main Results:
- Cancer cells extensively reprogram their metabolism to support rapid growth and survival.
- Altered glycolysis, lipid, and glutamine metabolism are crucial for tumor progression and therapeutic resistance.
- Targeting metabolic enzymes, transporters, and pathways shows potential in preclinical and clinical studies.
Conclusions:
- Understanding cancer metabolic reprogramming is vital for developing effective therapies.
- Targeting tumor metabolism presents a promising avenue for cancer treatment and overcoming drug resistance.
- Further research is needed to optimize combination strategies and address challenges in metabolic therapies.
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