Role of metabolism in cancer cell radioresistance and radiosensitization methods

Le Tang,
Fang Wei,
Yingfen Wu,
Yi He,
Lei Shi,
Fang Xiong,
Zhaojian Gong,
Can Guo,
Xiayu Li,
Hao Deng,
Ke Cao,
Ming Zhou,
Bo Xiang,
Xiaoling Li,
Yong Li,
Guiyuan Li,
Wei XiongEmail author and
Zhaoyang ZengEmail author

Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research201837:87

https://doi.org/10.1186/s13046-018-0758-7

Received: 18 December 2017
Accepted: 10 April 2018
Published: 23 April 2018

Abstract

Background

Radioresistance is a major factor leading to the failure of radiotherapy and poor prognosis in tumor patients. Following the application of radiotherapy, the activity of various metabolic pathways considerably changes, which may result in the development of resistance to radiation.

Main body

Here, we discussed the relationships between radioresistance and mitochondrial and glucose metabolic pathways, aiming to elucidate the interplay between the tumor cell metabolism and radiotherapy resistance. In this review, we additionally summarized the potential therapeutic targets in the metabolic pathways.

Short conclusion

The aim of this review was to provide a theoretical basis and relevant references, which may lead to the improvement of the sensitivity of radiotherapy and prolong the survival of cancer patients.