Pancreatic Cancer Metabolism: Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Applications

Abdel Nasser Hosein, Muhammad Shaalan Beg

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

19 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose of Review: Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is a leading cause of cancer mortality in western countries with a uniformly poor prognosis. Unfortunately, there has been little in the way of novel therapeutics for this malignancy over the last several decades. Derangements in metabolic circuitry favoring excess glycolysis are increasingly recognized as a key hallmark of cancer. Recent Findings: The role of alterations in glutamine metabolism in pancreatic tumor progression has been elucidated in animal models and human cells lines, and there has been considerable interest in exploiting these aberrations for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Other strategies targeting NQO1/GLS1 inhibition, NAD+ synthesis, and TCA cycle intermediates are being actively studied in the clinic. Summary: Aberrant metabolism in pancreatic cancer poses a unique therapeutic strategy. We review preclinical and clinical studies looking to exploit alterations in the metabolic circuitry of pancreatic cancer.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number56
JournalCurrent Oncology Reports
Volume20
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 1 2018

Keywords

  • Anaplerosis
  • Glutamine
  • NADPH-quinone oxidoreductase 1
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • ß-lapachone

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology

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