Mitochondrial Metabolism as a Target for Cancer Therapy

Cell Metab. 2020 Sep 1;32(3):341-352. doi: 10.1016/j.cmet.2020.06.019. Epub 2020 Jul 14.

Abstract

Recent evidence in humans and mice supports the notion that mitochondrial metabolism is active and necessary for tumor growth. Mitochondrial metabolism supports tumor anabolism by providing key metabolites for macromolecule synthesis and generating oncometabolites to maintain the cancer phenotype. Moreover, there are multiple clinical trials testing the efficacy of inhibiting mitochondrial metabolism as a new cancer therapeutic treatment. In this review, we discuss the rationale of using these anti-cancer agents in clinical trials and highlight how to effectively utilize them in different tumor contexts.

Keywords: metformin; mitochondria.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • Mitochondria / drug effects*
  • Mitochondria / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms / metabolism

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents