Abstract
Fueled by technological and conceptual advancements over the past two decades, research in cancer metabolism has begun to answer questions dating back to the time of Otto Warburg. But, as with most fields, new discoveries lead to new questions. This review outlines the emerging challenges that we predict will drive the next few decades of cancer metabolism research. These include developing a more realistic understanding of how metabolic activities are compartmentalized within cells, tissues, and organs; how metabolic preferences in tumors evolve during cancer progression from nascent, premalignant lesions to advanced, metastatic disease; and, most importantly, how we can best translate basic observations from preclinical models into novel therapies that benefit patients with cancer. With modern tools and an incredible amount of talent focusing on these problems, the upcoming decades should bring transformative discoveries.