TARGETING TUMOR METABOLISM: EXPLOITING CANCER CELL METABOLIC PATHWAYS FOR NOVEL THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES

Abstract

To ensure their rapid growth, survival, and resistance to treatment, tumor cells modify their metabolism. Unlike normal cells, cancerous cells tend to ‘shift’ their metabolism toward aerobic glycolysis (known as the Warburg effect), glutaminolysis, and lipid biosynthesis. This way, they fulfill their bioenergetic and biosynthetic needs. There is high potential for cancer therapies that target these metabolic processes. This review article outlines the major targetable metabolic pathways in tumor cells, describes new therapeutic interventions being developed to target these metabolic processes, and points out the gaps and future prospects in therapies targeting metabolism. The combination of metabolic inhibitors with the traditional treatment could prove to be an effective solution to drug resistance, thus enhancing the outcome for the patient.