Fatty Acid Metabolism in Health and Cancer: From Fundamental Mechanisms to Therapeutic Application

Fatty acid metabolism (FAM) plays a vital role in maintaining health by supporting energy production, cellular structure, and signaling processes. However, once this tightly regulated network becomes disrupted, it is increasingly recognized as being linked to the onset and progression of numerous chronic diseases, with cancer being one of the most prominent and clearly defined examples. In addition to the field of oncology, alterations in FAM can also lead to immune dysfunction, inflammatory responses, and metabolic disorders, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative diseases. We examine how different cell types adapt their metabolic behavior within inflamed and tumor-rich environments, often leveraging FAM to support survival or suppress immune activity. By highlighting recent discoveries in metabolic regulation, intercellular communication, and disease-specific lipid signatures, we identify new opportunities for therapeutic intervention. These include targeted drugs, gene therapies, nanomedicine platforms, and dietary strategies aimed at restoring metabolic balance. We also discuss the emerging role of fatty acid-related biomarkers in advancing precision oncology and broader applications in personalized medicine. Together, these insights underscore the centrality of FAM in human health and disease, with particular emphasis on its growing promise as a therapeutic target in cancer and beyond.