Mitochondrial Metabolism: A New Dimension of Personalized Oncology

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Cancer cells are dependent on normal cells for their survival and functionality because they can use nanoscale tubes to steal the mitochondria from immune cells. It also highlights the significance of mitochondria in the biology of cancer cells as the key organelles for cellular metabolism and energy generation. Recent research has shown that mitochondria are critical for cancer cell survival in the hostile tumor microenvironments, immune system evasion, acquisition of more aggressive characteristics, and treatment resistance. This article discusses the role of mitochondrial metabolism in cancer biology, customized cancer therapy, and how it affects cancer resistance to chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation. For instance, by scavenging the produced reactive oxygen species, functioning mitochondria might enhance cancer resistance to radiation. According to this hypothesis, targeting mitochondria may improve oncological results. The tumors can respond completely to anticancer therapies or even experience malignant progression while receiving them. As a result, individualized cancer treatment is essential. Up until now, genetic analysis has been the foundation for customized cancer treatment. There is evidence that cancers with a high mitochondrial concentration are more difficult to cure. Evaluation of mitochondrial metabolism before therapy may supplement genetic data and enhance the personalization of oncological interventions. ABSTRACT: Energy is needed by cancer cells to stay alive and communicate with their surroundings. The primary organelles for cellular metabolism and energy synthesis are mitochondria. Researchers recently proved that cancer cells can steal immune cells’ mitochondria using nanoscale tubes. This finding demonstrates the dependence of cancer cells on normal cells for their living and function. It also denotes the importance of mitochondria in cancer cells’ biology. Emerging evidence has demonstrated how mitochondria are essential for cancer cells to survive in the harsh tumor microenvironments, evade the immune system, obtain more aggressive features, and resist treatments. For instance, functional mitochondria can improve cancer resistance against radiotherapy by scavenging the released reactive oxygen species. Therefore, targeting mitochondria can potentially enhance oncological outcomes, according to this notion. The tumors’ responses to anticancer treatments vary, ranging from a complete response to even cancer progression during treatment. Therefore, personalized cancer treatment is of crucial importance. So far, personalized cancer treatment has been based on genomic analysis. Evidence shows that tumors with high mitochondrial content are more resistant to treatment. This paper illustrates how mitochondrial metabolism can participate in cancer resistance to chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy. Pretreatment evaluation of mitochondrial metabolism can provide additional information to genomic analysis and can help to improve personalized oncological treatments. This article outlines the importance of mitochondrial metabolism in cancer biology and personalized treatments.