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Updated: Jul 16, 2025
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Cancer Drug Sensitization In Vitro and In Vivo
Published on: February 6, 2015
Targeting cancer metabolic pathways for improving chemotherapy and immunotherapy
Zhangyi Luo1, Katherine M Eichinger2, Anju Zhang3
1Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
Abstract:
Recent discoveries in cancer metabolism have revealed promising metabolic targets to modulate cancer progression, drug response, and anti-cancer immunity. Combination therapy, consisting of metabolic inhibitors and chemotherapeutic or immunotherapeutic agents, offers new opportunities for improved cancer therapy. However, it also presents challenges due to the complexity of cancer metabolic pathways and the metabolic interactions between tumor cells and immune cells. Many studies have been published demonstrating potential synergy between novel inhibitors of metabolism and chemo/immunotherapy, yet our understanding of the underlying mechanisms remains limited. Here, we review the current strategies of altering the metabolic pathways of cancer to improve the anti-cancer effects of chemo/immunotherapy. We also note the need to differentiate the effect of metabolic inhibition on cancer cells and immune cells and highlight nanotechnology as an emerging solution. Improving our understanding of the complexity of the metabolic pathways in different cell populations and the anti-cancer effects of chemo/immunotherapy will aid in the discovery of novel strategies that effectively restrict cancer growth and augment the anti-cancer effects of chemo/immunotherapy.
Insights
Targeting cancer metabolism offers new combination therapy options. Understanding metabolic interactions between tumor and immune cells is key for effective cancer treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Immunology
- Metabolic Pathways
Background:
- Cancer metabolism research has identified promising targets for modulating tumor progression, drug response, and anti-cancer immunity.
- Combination therapies involving metabolic inhibitors with chemotherapy or immunotherapy present novel treatment opportunities.
- Challenges arise from the intricate nature of cancer metabolic pathways and tumor-immune cell metabolic crosstalk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current strategies for altering cancer metabolic pathways to enhance chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
- To emphasize the need to distinguish the effects of metabolic inhibition on cancer versus immune cells.
- To highlight nanotechnology as a potential solution for improving combination therapies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on cancer metabolism and combination therapies.
- Analysis of mechanisms underlying the synergy between metabolic inhibitors and anti-cancer agents.
- Exploration of nanotechnology applications in cancer therapy.
Main Results:
- Numerous studies demonstrate potential synergy between novel metabolic inhibitors and chemo/immunotherapy.
- Understanding of the underlying mechanisms of these synergistic effects remains limited.
- Differentiating metabolic impacts on cancer and immune cells is crucial for optimizing treatment.
Conclusions:
- Altering cancer metabolism is a promising strategy to improve anti-cancer effects of chemo/immunotherapy.
- Further research is needed to elucidate complex metabolic interactions and guide therapeutic development.
- Nanotechnology offers a promising avenue for enhancing the efficacy of these combination strategies.
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