A Review of Advances in Mitochondrial Research in Cancer

Background Abnormalities in mitochondrial structure or function are closely related to the development of malignant tumors. Mitochondrial metabolic reprogramming provides precursor substances and energy for the vital activities of tumor cells, so that cancer cells can rapidly adapt to the unfavorable environment of hypoxia and nutrient deficiency. Mitochondria can enable tumor cells to gain the ability to proliferate, escape immune responses, and develop drug resistance by altering constitutive junctions, oxidative phosphorylation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial subcellular relocalization. This greatly reduces the rate of effective clinical control of tumors. Purpose Explore the major role of mitochondria in cancer, as well as targeted mitochondrial therapies and mitochondria-associated markers. Conclusions This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the various aspects of mitochondrial aberrations and addresses drugs that target mitochondrial therapy, providing a basis for clinical mitochondria-targeted anti-tumor therapy.