Nano-constructs targeting the primary cellular energy source of cancer cells for modulating tumor progression

Abstract

Cancer cells, like all other cells in the body, require energy to perform basic functions, develop, and survive. Glucose metabolism (GM) is the primary energy source for cancer cells and is necessary for their proliferation, growth, and survival. This suggests that energy deprivation to cancer cells might help to keep the disease under control or eliminate it altogether. To improve the efficiency of cancer therapy, GM must be regulated, and nanomedicines provide a potential and ideal solution by targeting both the cytosol and the nucleus in the cellular domain. This is doable since both nanotechnology and the identification of suitable pharmacological targets are advancing substantially. Here, we reviewed the various mechanisms of GM as the major source of tumors and depicted the ongoing research to manipulate GM to render tumors susceptible to a wide range of chemotherapeutics, thermotherapy, dynamic therapy, and hypoxia. Also, we discussed the pros and cons of creating multifunctional nanomedicines that can boost the efficacy of these therapies by controlling GM as a key element of tumor targeting.

Keywords

• Cancer
• Tumor microenvironment
• Glucose metabolism
• Tumor targeting
• Nanocarriers
• Nanoagent