A Review of Metabolic Reprogramming in Cancer

Review Article

Abstract

Cancer cells exhibit distinct metabolic adaptations that support their rapid proliferation and survival in hostile microenvironments. The fundamental alterations in cellular metabolism, first described by Otto Warburg, have emerged as crucial hallmarks of cancer progression. Malignant cells preferentially utilize glucose through aerobic glycolysis while simultaneously maintaining oxidative phosphorylation, enabling them to meet their enhanced bioenergetic and biosynthetic demands. Recent advances in cancer metabolism research have unveiled complex metabolic networks involving glucose, glutamine, and lipid metabolism that contribute to tumor growth and metastasis. These metabolic alterations present unique therapeutic opportunities, as cancer cells often develop dependencies on specific metabolic pathways. Novel therapeutic strategies targeting key metabolic enzymes and transporters have shown promising results in preclinical and clinical studies. However, metabolic plasticity and heterogeneity within tumors pose significant challenges, often leading to drug resistance. The identification of reliable metabolic biomarkers has facilitated better patient stratification and treatment response monitoring. Emerging approaches combining metabolic inhibitors with conventional therapies, immunotherapy, or other targeted agents demonstrate enhanced efficacy. The continued elucidation of cancer metabolic reprogramming mechanisms and their clinical implications will be crucial for developing more effective therapeutic strategies and improving patient outcomes.