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Metabolism, autophagy, and cell death: The triangular axis in tumor survival and therapeutic resistance

Wen-Dong Wan1, Muhammad Tufail1, Can-Hua Jiang2

  • 1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.

Redox Biology
|June 25, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Tumor cells use autophagy, metabolism, and cell death regulation to survive stresses and resist treatments. Understanding this interplay is key to developing effective cancer therapies and overcoming drug resistance.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Cell Biology
  • Cancer Metabolism

Background:

  • Tumor cells constantly face environmental and therapeutic stresses.
  • Interconnected survival mechanisms involving autophagy, metabolism, and cell death regulation are crucial for tumor cell adaptation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the triangular relationship between autophagy, metabolism, and cell death regulation in cancer.
  • To understand how this interplay supports tumor growth and treatment resistance.

Main Methods:

  • Review of key molecular pathways regulating autophagy.
  • Analysis of metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells.
  • Examination of the impact on different cell death modalities.

Main Results:

  • The dynamic interplay between autophagy, metabolism, and cell death supports tumor progression.
  • This network contributes significantly to resistance against various cancer treatments.
  • Specific molecular pathways governing these processes have been identified.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the complex network of autophagy, metabolism, and cell death offers promising avenues for novel cancer therapies.
  • Overcoming treatment resistance requires precise biomarkers and effective combination strategies.
  • Translating this knowledge into clinical practice remains a significant challenge.
Keywords:
AutophagyCell deathMetabolic reprogrammingTherapeutic approachesTumor survival and resistance

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