Landscape of metabolic alterations and treatment strategies in breast cancer

Breast cancer, the most prevalent cancer in women, poses a significant threat to their health. One of the prominent characteristics of malignant transformation in breast cancer cells is metabolic reprogramming, which encompasses glucose, lipid, and amino acid metabolism. Notably, breast cancer cells exhibit augmented energy metabolism and heightened glycolysis. In addition, there is an escalated demand for glutamine, which is met through intrinsic synthesis, uptake from extracellular sources via membrane transport proteins, or up-regulation of key metabolic enzymes in the glutamine metabolism pathway. Lipids not only serve as an energy source for tumor cells but also function as signaling molecules for intercellular communication. Extensive research in recent years has focused on unraveling the intricate mechanisms underlying metabolic reprogramming. Consequently, genes implicated in these processes have emerged as clinical therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the common metabolic alterations observed in cancer cells, discusses the factors and regulatory mechanisms influencing these changes, and explores potential therapeutic targets and strategies within the realm of cancer metabolism.