Metabolic reprogramming regulates macrophage polarization to impact ovarian cancer progression

Metabolic reprogramming and macrophage polarization exhibit a tightly regulated reciprocal interplay, wherein the modulation of energy metabolic pathways and signaling networks directly dictates the functional phenotype and immune responses of macrophages, thereby exerting a critical influence on ovarian cancer progression and therapeutic outcomes. This manuscript elucidates the regulatory mechanisms by which diverse metabolic pathways-including glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, and glutamine metabolic reprogramming-orchestrate macrophage polarization. Special emphasis is placed on the functional role of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) within the ovarian cancer immune microenvironment, as well as the molecular mechanisms underlying their metabolic regulation. Based on the latest research advances, this study analyzes how metabolic reprogramming modulates the M1/M2 polarization balance to influence tumor immune escape and treatment resistance. Additionally, it summarizes emerging nanoscale strategies for the precise treatment of ovarian cancer via metabolic modulation of macrophage polarization. The overarching aim of this research is to clarify the pivotal role of metabolic regulation in macrophage polarization, thereby providing novel insights and therapeutic strategies for the management of ovarian cancer.