Letter to Editor
Recent breakthroughs in the metabolism of tumors have revolutionized our comprehension of cancer research, presenting new sites for therapeutic exploration (Vander Heiden & DeBerardinis, 2017). Cancer cells show distinct metabolic adaptations to support their unbridled proliferation and survival. Investigating and analyzing these metabolic alterations has become a paramount focus of cancer research. In this editorial, we explore the most recent developments in tumor metabolism, highlighting their profound significance and potential bearing on the development of cancer therapies (Warburg, 1956).
The Warburg effect, which emphasizes how much cancer cells rely on glycolysis even in oxygen-rich environments, has traditionally been linked to cancer metabolism (Tang et al., 2023). This phenomenon is still valid, but recent research has shown that tumors have complex metabolic rewiring. The discovery of numerous metabolic pathways linked to tumorigenesis has been made possible by cutting-edge methods like metabolomics, flux analysis, and genomics (Suri et al., 2023). The use of alternative nutrient sources is a crucial aspect of tumor metabolism. To meet their energy needs, cancer cells exhibit the capacity to metabolize amino acids, fatty acids, and ketones in addition to glucose (Garcia-Bermudez et al., 2020). Furthermore, a promising metabolic vulnerability in some cancers the reliance on glutamine as a crucial nitrogen source for anabolic processes has emerged, opening the door for targeted interventions.
