Cancer cells characterized by uncontrolled growth and proliferation require altered metabolic processes to maintain this characteristic. Metabolic reprogramming is a process mediated by various factors, including oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, changes in growth factors, and tumor–host cell interactions, which help to meet the needs of cancer cell anabolism and promote tumor development. Metabolic reprogramming in tumor cells is dynamically variable, depending on the tumor type and microenvironment, and reprogramming involves multiple metabolic pathways. These metabolic pathways have complex mechanisms and involve the coordination of various signaling molecules, proteins, and enzymes, which increases the resistance of tumor cells to traditional antitumor therapies. With the development of cancer therapies, metabolic reprogramming has been recognized as a new therapeutic target for metabolic changes in tumor cells. Therefore, understanding how multiple metabolic pathways in cancer cells change can provide a reference for the development of new therapies for tumor treatment. Here, we systemically reviewed the metabolic changes and their alteration factors, together with the current tumor regulation treatments and other possible treatments that are still under investigation. Continuous efforts are needed to further explore the mechanism of cancer metabolism reprogramming and corresponding metabolic treatments.

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In recent years, gold nanoparticles (GNPs) have gradually become a major choice of drug delivery cargoes due to unique properties. Compared to traditional bulk solid gold, GNPs have basic physical and chemical advantages, such as a larger surface area-to-volume ratio and easier surface modification. Furthermore, these have excellent biocompatibility, can induce the directional adsorption and enrichment of biological macromolecules, help retain biological macromolecule activity, and cause low harm to the human body. All these make GNPs good drug delivery cargoes. The present study introduces the properties of GNPs, including factors that affect the properties and synthesis. Then, focus was given on the application in drug delivery, not only on the molecular mechanism, but also on the clinical application. Furthermore, the properties and applications of peptide GNPs were also introduced. Finally, the challenges and prospects of GNPs for drug delivery were summarized.

Metabolic reprogramming manifested as glycolysis is considered a character of metabolic activity in tumor cells. Glucose used in glycolysis is the major energy source to support the growth and development of tumor cells, contributing to the high glycolytic flux production for the accumulation of cell mass. Of note, beside high consumption of glucose, the glutamine of nonessential amino acids (NEAAs) could be used as a carbon and nitrogen source. However, glucose and glutamine alone are still not enough to serve as the nutritional source for tumors. Other NEAAs are also important, such as serine, asparagine, and arginine. Related studies have confirmed in cells and animal models that either increase or decrease of NEAAs can limit the growth of tumor cells. Therefore, NEAAs deprivation diet has attracted more attention in recent years and it has been gradually applied in clinical practice for further research. In this review, the possible mechanism and potential applications of NEAAs in diet deprivation therapy are summarized, which may provide a direction for the future application in cancer treatment.