Cancer Cell Metabolism

Cancer cell metabolism encompasses the altered metabolic pathways and reprogramming that occur in cancer cells to support their uncontrolled growth, survival, proliferation, and adaptation. Key features include aerobic glycolysis (Warburg effect), altered mitochondrial function, increased glutaminolysis, enhanced lipid metabolism, and upregulated one-carbon metabolism. These changes are driven by oncogenic mutations, tumor suppressor loss, and activation of signaling pathways like PI3K-mTOR, resulting in sustained proliferation, resistance to apoptosis, and enhanced invasion/metastasis. Targeting cancer cell metabolism is a promising therapeutic strategy, but challenges include potential toxicity and the development of resistance.

Other names

Tumor MetabolismWarburg EffectAltered Metabolism in CancerMetabolic Reprogramming in Cancer

Varies depending on the specific metabolic pathway or enzyme targeted, but generally involves inhibiting key metabolic enzymes or pathways to disrupt energy production, biosynthesis, or redox balance in cancer cells.