The role of glutamine metabolism in castration-resistant prostate cancer

Reprogramming of metabolism is a hallmark of tumors, which has been explored for therapeutic purposes. Prostate cancer (PCa), particularly advanced and therapy-resistant PCa, displays unique metabolic properties. Targeting metabolic vulnerabilities in PCa may benefit patients who have exhausted currently available treatment options and improve clinical outcomes. Among the many nutrients, glutamine has been shown to play a central role in the metabolic reprogramming of advanced PCa. In addition to amino acid metabolism, glutamine is also widely involved in the synthesis of other macromolecules and biomasses. Targeting glutamine metabolic network by maximally inhibiting glutamine utilization in tumor cells may significantly add to treatment options for many patients. This review summarizes the metabolic landscape of PCa, with a particular focus on recent studies of how glutamine metabolism alterations affect therapeutic resistance and disease progression of PCa, and suggests novel therapeutic strategies.

Automated summary

Reprogramming of metabolism is a characteristic of tumors and has been investigated for therapeutic purposes. Prostate cancer, especially advanced and therapy-resistant cases, exhibits unique metabolic properties. Targeting the metabolic vulnerabilities of prostate cancer, specifically focusing on glutamine metabolism alterations, may offer new treatment options and improve clinical outcomes. This review summarizes the metabolic landscape of prostate cancer, highlights the influence of glutamine metabolism on therapeutic resistance and disease progression, and proposes novel therapeutic strategies.