Oxidative phosphorylation at the crossroads of cancer: Metabolic orchestration, stromal collusion, and emerging therapeutic horizons

Abstract Oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) plays a complex and dynamic role in cancer biology, with its involvement varying depending on tumor type, cancer progression stage, and microenvironmental conditions. While many cancer cells primarily rely on aerobic glycolysis for energy production, recent studies have demonstrated that OXPHOS is critical for the survival, proliferation, and metastasis of certain cancer cells. With the advent of OXPHOS‐targeted anticancer drugs, their therapeutic potential has become increasingly evident. However, achieving precision therapy necessitates the development of accurate diagnostic techniques for identifying OXPHOS dysfunction. This review focuses on the fundamental role of OXPHOS in tumors and the tumor microenvironment, as well as recent advancements in the laboratory methods for assessing OXPHOS function.