Synergistic cancer starvation therapy via mitochondria targeting cell penetrating polypeptide

Aberrant cancer metabolism has been recognized to be an attractive target for cancer treatments. However, inhibition of a single metabolic pathway has limited efficacy. In this study, a strategy to concurrently inhibit tumor glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation is proposed. An antiglycolytic drug and artificially synthesized mitochondria-targeting polypeptide were simultaneously applied to completely deplete the energy source of cancer cells, eventually leading to a synergetic effect of cancer starvation therapy. In vitro results show the mechanism and evidence of the cooperative effect of this combinatorial approach. This study is expected to provide new perspectives of cancer starvation treatments by inhibiting various metabolic pathways.