Metabolism and diet in cancer

This collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 3: Good Health & Well-Being.

With rising global incidence of cancers driven by metabolic dysfunction, particularly in young people, advancing our collective understanding of the relationships between metabolism, diet, and cancer is critical for the development of more effective prevention and treatment strategies. The interplay between metabolic processes and cancer progression is complex and multifaceted, influencing tumor growth, response to therapy, and overall patient outcomes. By deepening our knowledge in this area, we can uncover novel therapeutic targets and dietary interventions that may improve quality of life, symptom control, and cancer outcomes.

Recent years have seen significant advances in our understanding of how metabolism influences cancer biology. The foundational discovery of the Warburg effect demonstrated that cancer cells leverage altered metabolic pathways to preferentially utilize glycolysis for energy production. More recent findings indicate that cancer cells may shift metabolism to adapt and leverage host energetic states. Furthermore, dietary components, such as polyunsaturated fatty acids and molecules with antioxidant properties, can modulate tumor and patient responses to treatment. These discoveries underscore the potential of integrating dietary strategies into cancer management, paving the way for personalized nutrition approaches that could enhance therapeutic efficacy.

Looking ahead, the future of research in metabolism and diet in cancer holds immense promise. As we continue to unravel the intricate connections between metabolic pathways and cancer, specific biomarkers may emerge that have the potential of predicting treatment response based on an individual's metabolic profile. The rise of precision medicine, coupled with advances in metabolomics and nutritional genomics, could lead to tailored dietary recommendations that optimize therapeutic outcomes. Additionally, exploring the role of the gut microbiome in cancer metabolism may unveil new avenues for intervention, as emerging evidence suggests that gut bacteria can influence tumor growth and treatment responses.

We invite researchers to contribute to this special Collection on Metabolism and Diet in Cancer, where innovative ideas and findings can be shared to advance our collective knowledge. Topics of interest include but are not limited to:

• Role of metabolic pathways in cancer
• Impact of diet on tumor progression
• Nutritional interventions in cancer therapy
• Gut microbiome and cancer metabolism
• Biomarkers for dietary response in cancer
• Personalized nutrition in cancer management
• Metabolomics in cancer research
• Dietary patterns and cancer risk