Brain cancer metabolism

Malignant brain tumors represent a serious health issue concerning both children and adults, and are often difficult to manage. Tumor metabolism has recently emerged as a promising target for new cancer treatment. Malignant brain tumors strongly depend on glycolysis for energy, predominantly using glucose and glutamine, whereas healthy brain cells primarily utilize ketone bodies under reduced glucose supply. As a metabolic disorder involving the dysregulation of glycolysis and cellular respiration, there is hope that brain cancer could be at least partially managed through changes in the metabolic environment. The objective of this review is to examine the metabolic changes in brain tumors and to summarize the latest knowledge of certain metabolic processes in tumorigenesis, as well as the associated potential therapeutic approaches.