Nanomedicine targeting the Warburg effect: Advanced strategies for cancer therapy

Cancer remains the foremost cause of mortality globally, characterized by un-controlled cellular proliferation driven by oncogenic mutations and other factors. These mutations disrupt cellular homeostasis, leading to a spectrum of adverse physiological responses. A key feature of cellular metabolism in cancer is the Warburg effect, in which cancer cells preferentially rely on glycolysis for ATP production, even in the presence of oxygen, to meet their elevated metabolic demands. Traditional interventions have often failed to block this metabolism due to limitations in drug design and administration. The advent of nanomedicine has ushered in new possibilities for cancer treatment, offering precise control over drug release and targeted delivery. By leveraging nanocarriers, it is possible to specifically target the altered metabolic pathways in cancer cells, thereby presenting a promising therapeutic strategy. This review provides a comprehensive examination of the Warburg effect and the cutting-edge advancements in nanomedicine aimed at reprogramming cancer cell metabolism. Particular attention is given to the potential applications of these nanotechnological interventions in treating cancer, highlighting the promising synergy between nanomedicine and metabolic reprogramming as a viable approach to counteract cancer progression.