Targeting the Warburg Effect in Cancer: Where Do We Stand?

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Cancer Metabolism
• Immunology

Background:

• The Warburg effect, increased glycolysis even with oxygen, is a key cancer hallmark.
• Elevated lactate and acidity in the tumor microenvironment (TME) impact immune cells and promote tumor progression.
• The Warburg effect drives tumor progression and immunosuppression via multiple mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of the Warburg effect in cancer.
• To summarize therapeutic strategies targeting glycolytic enzymes and discuss challenges.
• To examine the Warburg effect's utility in early cancer diagnostics and its role in the TME.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of the Warburg effect in cancer.
• Summary of pharmacological strategies targeting glycolytic enzymes.
• Analysis of lactate's role in the tumor microenvironment and anti-tumor immunity.

Main Results:

• The Warburg effect promotes tumor progression and immunosuppression.
• Targeting glycolytic enzymes faces challenges in therapeutic efficacy.
• Lactate in the TME plays multifaceted roles, influencing tumor-immune cell interactions.

Conclusions:

• The Warburg effect is a critical factor in cancer progression and immune evasion.
• Targeting cancer metabolism presents therapeutic opportunities and challenges.
• Lactate modulation in the TME could enhance anti-tumor immunity.