Relationship Between Metabolic Reprogramming and Mitochondrial Activity in Cancer Cells. Understanding The Anticancer Effect of Metformin and Its Clinical Implications

Metabolic reprogramming refers to the ability of cancer cells to alter their metabolism in order to support the increased energy request due to continuous growth, rapid proliferation, and other characteristics typical of neoplastic cells. This adaptation comprises of some important bioenergetic changes that, in contrary to conventional and outdated concepts, require an unchanged mitochondrial activity for their efficacy. This review highlights the characteristics of metabolic reprogramming, the role of mitochondrial activity in this particular setting, and the therapeutic possibility of targeting pathways of energy metabolism in cancer cells, with particular emphasis on metformin efficacy and its relationship with mitochondria metabolism.