Oncometabolites in Cancer: Current Understanding and Challenges

Oncometabolites are pathognomonic hallmarks in human cancers, including glioma, leukemia, neuroendocrine tumors, and renal cancer. Oncometabolites are aberrantly accumulated from disrupted Krebs cycle and affect the catalytic activity of a-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases. Oncometabolites indicate distinct cancer-related patterns ranging from oncogenesis and metabolism to therapeutic resistance. Here we discuss the current understanding of oncometabolites as well as the controversies and challenges associated with oncometabolite-driven cancers. New insights into the relationship between cancer and oncometabolites will elucidate novel therapeutic avenues for improved cancer treatment.

Automated summary

Oncometabolites are characteristic hallmarks of various human cancers, generated from disrupted Krebs cycle and impacting the activity of certain enzymes. They signify different cancer-related patterns and understanding the relationship between cancer and oncometabolites could lead to novel therapeutic approaches for improved cancer treatment.