SGLT2 and cancer

Glycolysis plays a central role in tumor metabolism and growth, and this is reflected in a high rate of glucose uptake. It is commonly assumed that the upregulation of the facilitated glucose transporter GLUT1 meets the tumor’s demand for sugar. This underlies the success in using 2FDG PET imaging in the clinic to identify and stage many tumors. However, 2FDG is not a substrate for a second class of glucose transporters, the sodium-dependent glucose cotransporters, SGLTs, and so 2FDG PET may not provide a complete picture. A specific new radiotracer to detect SGLT activity has been introduced, Me4FDG, and this provides an opportunity to explore the potential role of SGLTs in supporting tumor glycolysis. In this brief review, I highlight the development of Me4FDG and our preliminary studies of Me4FDG PET in cancer patients. We find that the renal isoform, SGLT2, is expressed in pancreatic and prostate tumors and glioblastomas, and Me4FDG PET introduces a new method to image tumors. As SGLT2 drugs are successful in treating type 2 diabetes mellitus, they may also provide a new therapy.