Cancer metabolism biomarkers are key indicators of altered metabolic processes in tumour cells. These biomarkers provide insights into cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment response. Unlike normal cells, cancer cells undergo significant metabolic reprogramming to sustain rapid proliferation, evade apoptosis, and adapt to hostile environments. Understanding these metabolic changes has led to the identification of several biomarkers that can be used in clinical and research settings.
Key Metabolic Pathways in Cancer
Cancer cells exhibit distinct metabolic alterations, the most well-known being the Warburg effect. This phenomenon describes the preference of cancer cells for aerobic glycolysis, even in the presence of oxygen. Instead of fully oxidising glucose through oxidative phosphorylation, they convert it into lactate, facilitating rapid energy production and biosynthesis. This metabolic shift is driven by oncogenes such as MYC and HIF-1α.
Another crucial pathway is glutamine metabolism. Many cancer cells depend on glutamine as a carbon and nitrogen source to support nucleotide, lipid, and protein synthesis. Additionally, alterations in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, lipid metabolism, and one-carbon metabolism are observed in various cancers.
Metabolic Biomarkers in Cancer
Several metabolic biomarkers have been identified in different cancer types:
Clinical Implications and Future Directions
Cancer metabolism biomarkers hold promise for precision oncology. Their use in liquid biopsies, tumour profiling, and metabolic imaging aids in early diagnosis and monitoring therapeutic responses. Novel metabolic inhibitors targeting these pathways, such as glutaminase inhibitors and LDH inhibitors, are under investigation. As research advances, integrating metabolic biomarkers with multi-omics approaches will improve cancer detection and personalised treatment strategies.
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