Crucial Metabolic Networks: Cancer Progression

The study of metabolic networks in cancer cells is essential for understanding the fundamental properties of living systems and how metabolic dysregulation plays a role in tumor growth. Cancer cells have distinct metabolic characteristics, such as the Warburg effect and alterations in key metabolic enzymes and pathways. The emerging field of cancer metabolism is dedicated to understanding how reprogrammed metabolism promotes tumor growth and identifying which reprogrammed activities are crucial for treatment liabilities. The chapter highlights the potential of targeting metabolic pathways and enzymes as a therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. Inhibiting key enzymes such as pyruvate kinase M2 and targeting metabolic pathways like the mevalonate pathway have shown promising results in preclinical models. Advances in omics technologies have enabled a more comprehensive analysis of metabolic networks in cancer cells, leading to the identification of new potential therapeutic targets. Thus, this chapter sheds light on the potential of targeting metabolic pathways and enzymes as a therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment and the importance of the cancer metabolic network in the development of better therapeutic choices.