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Updated: Jun 17, 2025

Quantitative Immunohistochemistry of the Cellular Microenvironment in Patient Glioblastoma Resections
Published on: July 31, 2017
Glycolysis, the sweet appetite of the tumor microenvironment
Zeinab Kooshan1, Lilibeth Cárdenas-Piedra2, Judith Clements1
1School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia; Center for Genomics and Personalised Health, Translational Research Institute, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.
Abstract:
Cancer cells display an altered metabolic phenotype, characterised by increased glycolysis and lactate production, even in the presence of sufficient oxygen - a phenomenon known as the Warburg effect. This metabolic reprogramming is a crucial adaptation that enables cancer cells to meet their elevated energy and biosynthetic demands. Importantly, the tumor microenvironment plays a pivotal role in shaping and sustaining this metabolic shift in cancer cells. This review explores the intricate relationship between the tumor microenvironment and the Warburg effect, highlighting how communication within this niche regulates cancer cell metabolism and impacts tumor progression and therapeutic resistance. We discuss the potential of targeting the Warburg effect as a promising therapeutic strategy, with the aim of disrupting the metabolic advantage of cancer cells and enhancing our understanding of this complex interplay within the tumor microenvironment.
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