Modelling cancer metabolism in vitro: current improvements and future challenges

Abstract

Advances in cancer biology over the past decades have revealed that metabolic adaptation of cancer cells is an essential aspect of tumorigenesis. However, recent insights into tumour metabolism in vivo have revealed dissimilarities with results obtained in vitro. This is partly due to the reductionism of in vitro cancer models that struggle to reproduce the complexity of tumour tissues. This review describes some of the discrepancies in cancer cell metabolism between in vitro and in vivo conditions, and presents current methodological approaches and tools used to bridge the gap with the clinically relevant microenvironment. As such, these approaches should generate new knowledge that could be more effectively translated into therapeutic opportunities.

Histone Acyl Code in Precision Oncology: Mechanistic Insights from Dietary and Metabolic Factors

“…Additionally, delivery of therapeutic agents to cancer cells within the tumor microenvironment is complex, while minimizing off-target effects [260]. Furthermore, the rapid adaptability of cancer cells to changes in their metabolic milieu can result in resistance to therapies targeting histone acylation [261]. Concerns regarding toxicity, including hematological and cardiac adverse effects, along with the influence of pharmacokinetic properties on efficacy and safety in vivo, further complicates the development and clinical use of histone acyl-modifying enzyme inhibitors for cancer therapy.…”