The Intratumoral Heterogeneity of Cancer Metabolism.

Karim Nabi,Anne Le

doi:10.1007/978-3-030-65768-0_11

Abstract

Cancer is one of the deadliest diseases in the world, causing over half a million deaths a year in the USA alone. Despite recent advances made in the field of cancer biology and the therapies that have been developed [1, 2], it is clear that more advances are necessary for us to classify cancer as curable. The logical question that arises is simple: Why, despite all the technologies and medical innovations of our time, has a complete cure eluded us? This chapter sheds light on one of cancer's most impactful attributes: its heterogeneity and, more specifically, the intratumoral heterogeneity of cancer metabolism. Simply put, what makes cancer one of the deadliest diseases is its ability to change and adapt. Cancer cells' rapid evolution, coupled with their irrepressible ability to divide, gives most of them the advantage over our immune systems. In this chapter, we delve into the complexities of this adaptability and the vital role that metabolism plays in the rise and progression of this heterogeneity.

Highlights

Nabi Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USAA. Le ( ) Department of Pathology and Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, intratumoral genetic alterations
Despite recent advances made in the field of cancer biology and the therapies that have been developed [1, 2], it is clear that more advances are necessary for us to classify cancer as curable
We delve into the complexities of this adaptability and the vital role that metabolism plays in the rise and progression of this heterogeneity

Summary

Nabi Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA

A. Le ( ) Department of Pathology and Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, intratumoral genetic alterations. Epigenetics alterations lead to intratumoral metabolic heterogeneity. Intratumoral metabolic adaptation and heterogeneity are due to the extreme conditions of the tumor microenvironment. Metabolic profile-targeted therapeutics can result in successful clinical outcomes.

Introduction

Spatial Heterogeneity Provides a Survival Advantage to Tumors

Findings

Conclusion