Cancer metabolism gets physical

Abstract

Patient-derived culture models enable assessment of drug sensitivity and can connect personalized genomics with therapeutic options. However, their clinical translation is constrained by limited fidelity. We outline how the physical microenvironment regulates cell metabolism and describe how engineered culture systems could enhance the predictive power for precision medicine.

Fig. 1. Determinants of cancer metabolism

Metabolism is a multiscale process, comprising the full range of biological factors. To understand the interdependent regulatory mechanisms, it is essential that model systems simulate salient features that govern metabolic networks across multiple scales. αKG, α-ketoglutarate; CoA, coenzyme A; Rib-5-P, ribose 5-phosphate.

Fig. 2. A comprehensive precision medicine toolkit

A comprehensive approach to precision medicine oncology integrates pathology and sequencing analyses (left) with functional diagnostic platforms (right). More complete information about individual patient susceptibility will help guide personalized treatment strategies (middle).