Cancer cells could predominantly produce energy by glycolysis even in the presence of oxygen. This alternative metabolic characteristic is known as the “Warburg Effect.” Although the exact mechanisms underlying the Warburg effect are unclear, recent progress indicates that glycolytic pathway of cancer cells could be a critical target for drug discovery. With a long history in cancer treatment, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is recognized as a valuable source for seeking bioactive anticancer compounds.
It is well known that malignant cells have accelerated glucose uptake and metabolism in order to maintain their fast proliferation rates. With the increased influx of glucose into cancer cells, glycolysis is facilitated through a coordinated regulation of metabolic enzymes and pyruvate consumption.
Shifting from mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis and other pathways such as pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) and denovo fatty acid synthesis in the breast tumor provides not only energy but also the materials needed for cell proliferation. Glucose augmentation in tumor cells can be due to the elevated level of glucose transporter (GLUT) proteins, such as the over-expression of GLUT 1 and expression of GLUT 5 in breast cancers. Moreover, other factors such as hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), oestrogen and growth factors are important modulators of glucose metabolism in the progression of breast carcinomas.
Therapies targeting at the glycolytic pathway, fatty acid synthesis and GLUTs expression are currently being investigated. Restoring tumor cells to its normal glucose metabolic state would endow tumor specific and accessible treatment that targets glucose metabolism
Source
Glucose Metabolism in Breast Cancer and its Implication in Cancer Therapy. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/228469933_Glucose_Metabolism_in_Breast_Cancer_
and_its_Implication_in_Cancer_Therapy [accessed Jun 6, 2016].