Modulation of Cancer Cell Metabolism and Microenvironment by Phytochemicals

Abstract

The quiddity of neoplastic disease is represented by chronic and often times uncontrolled cell multiplication. It includes deregulated proliferative capability of the tumorigenic cells, along with the modulation in metabolic process for cellular proliferation and growth. Discovery of this metabolic alteration as one of the hallmarks of cancer cells has provided the new way to target tumor cell metabolism for therapeutic purpose. Tumors are not only insular masses of proliferating cancer cells; they also have another dimension of intricacy: they recruit ostensibly normal cells that help in acquiring hallmarks characteristics by forming the microenvironment near by the tumor cells which is called as tumor microenvironment (TME). Beside of these existing diversity of tumors reported in the identical or distinct locations and organs in the body, similar components and properties have been revealed in the tumor microenvironment of epithelial originated cancer. Various modern therapeutics have been developed targeting cancer cell metabolism and modulating tumor microenvironment. In recent years, several phytochemicals are being identified as the possible therapeutic compounds with their anticancer properties. Phytochemicals are the crucial ingredients of traditional medicine, and are also widely used to synthesize the novel therapeutics to treat numerous diseases. Recent investigations have been made by using distinct cancer models to highlight the role of these phytochemicals as the modulator of cancer cell metabolism and how these phytochemicals are altering the tumor microenvironment. Here, we have selected some phytochemicals based on their distinct anti-tumorigenic nature and discussed their effects in modulating the TME microenvironment and cancer cell metabolism. The prominent targets of the phytochemicals, i.e. the site of action where they modulate the cancer cell metabolism and tumor microenvironment are also being highlighted. With the integrated understanding of effects of phytochemicals on tumor cells, advancements can be made in better cancer treatment.