Role of Glucose Metabolic Reprogramming in Breast Cancer Progression and Drug Resistance

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Glucose metabolic reprogramming is a process in which cells alter the way that glucose is utilized. In breast cancer, cells can undergo this process to fuel their growth, acquire drug resistance, and become metastatic. Scientists have been studying this process to identify new targets for breast cancer treatment. By understanding what enzymes and pathways are involved, researchers may be able to develop drugs that specifically target these pathways, ultimately leading to more effective and less toxic treatments for breast cancer in the future. ABSTRACT: The involvement of glucose metabolic reprogramming in breast cancer progression, metastasis, and therapy resistance has been increasingly appreciated. Studies in recent years have revealed molecular mechanisms by which glucose metabolic reprogramming regulates breast cancer. To date, despite a few metabolism-based drugs being tested in or en route to clinical trials, no drugs targeting glucose metabolism pathways have yet been approved to treat breast cancer. Here, we review the roles and mechanisms of action of glucose metabolic reprogramming in breast cancer progression and drug resistance. In addition, we summarize the currently available metabolic inhibitors targeting glucose metabolism and discuss the challenges and opportunities in targeting this pathway for breast cancer treatment.