Rethinking mitochondria as a target for cancer therapy

In recent years, numerous studies have highlighted the crucial role of mitochondrial metabolism in cancer progression. This sparked interest in its potential as a target for cancer therapy and prompted the clinical evaluation of multiple drugs targeting mitochondrial metabolism. Regrettably, most have showed limited efficacy and safety, raising concerns about the viability of mitochondrial inhibitors in cancer treatment. However, emerging evidence suggests that shifting the focus away from mitochondrial bioenergetics and targeting other aspects of mitochondrial biology, may have a meaningful impact on cancer progression with milder side effects. In this review, we discuss emerging actionable targets and strategies to tailor the administration of inhibitors of mitochondrial pathways for cancer therapy.