Nanoplatform-mediated metabolic reprogramming to overcome resistance mechanisms in antitumor therapies
Xin-Xin Lu1, Jiao-Jiao Yang1, Fan Gao1
1Institute of Advanced Materials and Flexible Electronics (IAMFE), School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China. gaofan@nuist.edu.cn.
Abstract:
Therapeutic resistance remains a major bottleneck in achieving effective antitumor treatment. Many tumors exploit aberrant metabolic behaviors (e.g., excessive glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, autophagy, and anabolic pathways) to evade therapy-induced stress and sustain proliferation. Consequently, reprogramming tumor metabolism has emerged as a promising strategy for sensitizing tumors to various treatments. In this review, we outline a nanoplatform-mediated metabolic reprogramming framework as a unifying strategy to reverse diverse resistance mechanisms in tumor therapy. We systematically summarize the recent advances in nanoplatform-based strategies that precisely regulate key metabolic pathways to sensitize tumors to chemotherapy, thermotherapy, reactive oxygen species-based therapies, and immunotherapy. These nanoplatforms integrate metabolic intervention with controlled delivery, offering enhanced therapeutic efficacy, improved selectivity, and reduced systemic toxicity. Furthermore, we discuss the current challenges and opportunities associated with metabolic heterogeneity, biosafety, and clinical translation, highlighting future research directions. This review emphasizes the significance of tumor metabolic reprogramming and provides insights for the rational design of advanced nanoplatforms with strong potential for translational cancer therapy.
Insights
Nanoparticles can reprogram tumor metabolism to overcome therapeutic resistance. This strategy enhances treatment effectiveness and reduces side effects for better cancer therapy outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nanotechnology
- Metabolic Engineering
Background:
- Therapeutic resistance is a significant challenge in cancer treatment.
- Tumors utilize altered metabolism to survive therapy and proliferate.
- Metabolic reprogramming is a promising strategy to sensitize tumors to treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a nanoplatform-mediated metabolic reprogramming framework.
- To unify strategies for reversing diverse tumor resistance mechanisms.
- To highlight nanoplatforms for sensitizing tumors to various therapies.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of nanoplatform-based strategies.
- Analysis of nanoplatforms regulating key metabolic pathways.
- Integration of metabolic intervention with controlled delivery.
Main Results:
- Nanoplatforms precisely regulate metabolic pathways to enhance chemotherapy, thermotherapy, ROS-based, and immunotherapy.
- These platforms improve therapeutic efficacy and selectivity.
- Reduced systemic toxicity is observed with nanoplatform application.
Conclusions:
- Nanoplatform-mediated metabolic reprogramming is a viable strategy against tumor resistance.
- Challenges include metabolic heterogeneity, biosafety, and clinical translation.
- Future research should focus on rational nanoplatform design for translational cancer therapy.
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