Glut-1 inhibition in breast cancer cells

Abstract

Breast cancer is a widely prevalent and devastating morbidity that affects millions of women around the world. Conventional treatment options for breast cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. However, these therapies can frequently have adverse side effects and may not be effective for all patients. In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in the development of targeted therapies for breast cancer. Glut-1, a key glucose transporter that is often overexpressed in breast cancer cells, is a potential candidate for targeted therapies. Glut-1 is crucial for basal glucose transport into cancer cells and is necessary for their rapid growth and survival. Several Glut-1 inhibitors - both natural and synthetic small molecules - have been identified and used as anticancer agents. In this chapter, we summarize the different approaches of Glut-1 inhibition in breast cancer and the mode of inhibition used by various Glut-1 inhibitors. Further understanding of the mechanisms underlying the efficacy of Glut-1 inhibitors in breast cancer treatment may provide crucial insights that can lead to the advancement of current treatment strategies. The functional inhibition of Glut-1 by specific Glut-1 inhibitors is being explored as a potential treatment modality for breast cancer. This approach holds great promise for improving the therapeutic efficacy of breast cancer treatment and minimizing the side effects associated with conventional therapies.

Keywords: Anticancer agents; Breast cancer; Glucose metabolism; Glut-1 inhibition; Natural and synthetic inhibitors.