High Rate of Glycolysis and Cancer

Abstract

One hundred years ago, abnormal metabolism of cancer cell was regarded as one of the most important pathological features of malignancy. Recently, with the development of system biology, researchers regained the interest in regulating cancer metabolism. In 1920s’, Dr. Otto Warburg discovered that, even when oxygen is ample, malignant cells still prefer the anaerobic glycolysis, and the rate of glucose uptake is high while the overall glycolysis increases. Cancer cells divide faster than normal cells, hence they need more bioenergy, and they need to change their metabolism to produce the extra energy. In recent 20 years, the link between high rate of glycolysis and cancer was re-evaluated and has inspired enthusiasm upon research into the metabolism of cancer cells. Novel diagnostic methods and new drugs were created by the understanding of the features of cancer metabolism. Glycolysis in cancer cells has clinical implications in cancer diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. The purpose of this review is to focus on the mechanism of high rate of glycolysis in cancer and its significance in cancer diagnosis and therapies. The regulatory network of cancer is complex, system biology might help us to find the clue. There are evidences showing that mixture of drugs has therapeutic advantages in clinical practice. Combinations of anti-neoplasm drugs have already been administered with encouraging results. Therefore, the multi-targeted MCA advised therapy might be the most promising strategy for cancer. The study for novel inhibitors from medicinal herbs are now ongoing. We believe, there will be more and more therapeutic strategies coming in the near future to help human beings fighting with cancer.