Cancer immunometabolism is an emerging field that explores the intricate relationship between the metabolic processes within cancer cells and the immune response. Metabolism plays a pivotal role in shaping the tumor microenvironment and influencing immune cell function. Cancer cells often undergo metabolic reprogramming to sustain their rapid growth and evade immune surveillance. Understanding the metabolic alterations in cancer cells provides insights into potential vulnerabilities that can be targeted for therapeutic interventions. Immune cells, such as T cells, also undergo metabolic changes to fuel their activation and effector functions within the tumor microenvironment. Manipulating these metabolic pathways has become a focal point for developing innovative immunotherapies that enhance the anti-tumor immune response.
The crossroads of cancer and immunometabolism offers a promising avenue for devising novel treatment strategies. Researchers are investigating how metabolic pathways can be modulated to enhance the efficacy of existing immunotherapies and overcome resistance mechanisms. Additionally, metabolic biomarkers are being explored to predict and monitor treatment responses, paving the way for more personalized and precise cancer therapies. As our understanding of cancer immunometabolism deepens, it holds the potential to uncover new targets and therapeutic avenues, contributing to the evolution of cancer treatment paradigms and improving outcomes for patients.