Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026
Quantifying the Brain Metastatic Tumor Micro-Environment using an Organ-On-A Chip 3D Model, Machine Learning, and Confocal Tomography
Published on: August 16, 2020
Bioengineered systems to exploit tumor microenvironment metabolism
Christine Sanganoo1, Ilaria Caturegli2, Zachary Mattes3
1Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Biophysics, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, 700 Albany St W302, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
Abstract:
Our understanding of cancer metabolism has afforded the opportunity to develop therapies specific to tumor metabolic dysregulation. While molecular therapeutics targeting cancer metabolism have found success in the clinic, bioengineering approaches are nascent. Here, we describe key metabolic pathways and their genetic dysregulations in the tumor microenvironment (TME) that are ripe for intervention. We examine bioengineered biomaterial and cellular systems that harness the metabolic and immune landscape of the TME to target metabolic dependencies of tumor growth. These therapeutic strategies include, for example, preventing the uptake of essential metabolites, delivering metabolic inhibitors, and restoring an immunostimulating environment. With a focus toward clinical applications and tolerability, we identify key limitations and conclude with future directions.
Insights
Bioengineering strategies can target tumor metabolic dysregulation by harnessing the tumor microenvironment (TME). These approaches aim to disrupt cancer cell metabolism and restore immune function for novel cancer therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Metabolic Engineering
- Immunotherapy
Background:
- Cancer metabolism is dysregulated, presenting therapeutic targets.
- Molecular therapies targeting cancer metabolism show clinical success.
- Bioengineering approaches for cancer metabolism are emerging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review key metabolic pathways and genetic dysregulations in the tumor microenvironment (TME) for therapeutic intervention.
- To examine bioengineering strategies targeting tumor metabolic dependencies.
- To focus on clinical applications and future directions for bioengineered cancer therapies.
Main Methods:
- Review of metabolic pathways and genetic dysregulations in the TME.
- Examination of bioengineered biomaterial and cellular systems.
- Analysis of strategies including metabolite uptake prevention, inhibitor delivery, and immune environment restoration.
Main Results:
- Identified key metabolic vulnerabilities in the TME.
- Described bioengineering approaches to exploit these vulnerabilities.
- Highlighted strategies to modulate the metabolic and immune TME.
Conclusions:
- Bioengineering offers promising avenues for cancer therapy by targeting tumor metabolism.
- Strategies focus on disrupting nutrient supply, inhibiting metabolic enzymes, and enhancing anti-tumor immunity.
- Future directions emphasize clinical translation and improved tolerability of these novel therapies.
Related Concept Videos
02:17The Tumor Microenvironment
02:17The Tumor Microenvironment
02:53Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...