Tumor lactic acid: a potential target for cancer therapy

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18 Scopus citations

Abstract

Tumor development is influenced by circulating metabolites and most tumors are exposed to substantially elevated levels of lactic acid and low levels of nutrients, such as glucose and glutamine. Tumor-derived lactic acid, the major circulating carbon metabolite, regulates energy metabolism and cancer cell signaling pathways, while also acting as an energy source and signaling molecule. Recent studies have yielded new insights into the pro-tumorigenic action of lactic acid and its metabolism. These insights suggest an anti-tumor therapeutic strategy targeting the oncometabolite lactic acid, with the aim of improving the efficacy and clinical safety of tumor metabolism inhibitors. This review describes the current understanding of the multifunctional roles of tumor lactic acid, as well as therapeutic approaches targeting lactic acid metabolism, including lactate dehydrogenase and monocarboxylate transporters, for anti-cancer therapy.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)90-110
Number of pages21
JournalArchives of Pharmacal Research
Volume46
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2023

Keywords

  • Anti-tumor therapy
  • Lactate dehydrogenases
  • Lactic acid
  • Lactic acid blocking strategy
  • Monocarboxylate transporters
  • Tumors

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