Causes and consequences of increased glucose metabolism of cancers

• Published in: The Journal of nuclear medicine (1978) Vol. 49 Suppl 2; p. 24S
• Main Authors: Gillies, Robert J, Robey, Ian, Gatenby, Robert A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Society of Nuclear Medicine 01.06.2008
• Subjects: Apoptosis; Cancer; Cell Hypoxia; Cell Transformation, Neoplastic - genetics; Cell Transformation, Neoplastic - metabolism; Cell Transformation, Neoplastic - pathology; Cells; Evolution, Molecular; Female; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; Game Theory; Gene expression; Genotype & phenotype; Glucose; Glucose - metabolism; Glycolysis; History, 19th Century; History, 20th Century; Humans; Hypoxia; Metabolism; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Neoplasm Metastasis; Neoplasms - diagnostic imaging; Neoplasms - history; Neoplasms - metabolism; Neovascularization, Pathologic - metabolism; Oncogenes - physiology; Radionuclide Imaging; Radiopharmaceuticals; Tissues
• ISSN: 0161-5505; 1535-5667
• DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.107.047258

In this review we examine the mechanisms (causes) underlying the increased glucose consumption observed in tumors within a teleological context (consequences). In other words, we will ask not only "How do cancers have high glycolysis?" but also, "Why?" We believe that the insights gained from answering the latter question support the conclusion that elevated glucose consumption is a necessary component of carcinogenesis. Specifically we propose that glycolysis is elevated because it produces acid, which provides an evolutionary advantage to cancer cells vis-à-vis normal parenchyma into which they invade.