Targeting cancer metabolism: a therapeutic window opens

Cancer cells have adapted metabolically to support their characteristic high rate of proliferation. Targeting the metabolic differences between cancer cells and normal cells is emerging as a promising therapeutic approach. Here, Vander Heiden discusses the associated challenges and limitations of this anticancer strategy and reviews evidence supporting specific metabolic enzymes as potential targets. Genetic events in cancer activate signalling pathways that alter cell metabolism. Clinical evidence has linked cell metabolism with cancer outcomes. Together, these observations have raised interest in targeting metabolic enzymes for cancer therapy, but they have also raised concerns that these therapies would have unacceptable effects on normal cells. However, some of the first cancer therapies that were developed target the specific metabolic needs of cancer cells and remain effective agents in the clinic today. Research into how changes in cell metabolism promote tumour growth has accelerated in recent years. This has refocused efforts to target metabolic dependencies of cancer cells as a selective anticancer strategy.