The Warburg Effect as a Prognostic Metabolic Indicator of Breast Cancer: A Metabolomic Investigation.

• Grant number: 24/11131-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: November 01, 2024
• End date: October 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Debora Aparecida Pires de Campos Zuccari
• Grantee: Isadora Serante Campagna
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP). Secretaria de Desenvolvimento Econômico (São Paulo - Estado). São José do Rio Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

In recent decades, a significant increase has been observed in theincidence of breast cancer worldwide, which has led to aincreased mortality associated with this neoplasm. Breast cancer isinfluenced by the interaction of genetic factors, lifestyle, habitsreproductive and environment. Throughout tumor development, severaltumor markers that can be found at different stages of thetumor development can be identified, from early stages topossible recurrences. These markers, also known asBiomarkers are macromolecules present in the tumor, blood orother biological liquids. Its qualitative and quantitative changes areassociated with the genesis and growth of neoplastic cells. Theyplay an important role in diagnosis, in evaluating the responsetherapy, in the detection of relapses and in the prognosis, in addition to beingfundamental for the development of new therapeutic approaches. Onefundamental issue that has been the subject of studies is the Warburg effect, ametabolic phenomenon observed in tumor cells, in which aincrease in glycolysis even in the presence of oxygen. This phenomenon has beenassociated with a more aggressive behavior in the tumor and may havesignificant implications for prognosis and response to treatment. Ametabolomics, dedicated to the analysis of metabolites, has the potential to provideclinically relevant biomarkers to detect metabolic changes andoffer new perspectives on the pathology of breast cancer. In thatcontext, the objective of this work is to extract the metabolitesrelated to the Warburg effect, with a special focus on lactate and pyruvate. Thatnon-invasive approach could provide valuable information about thebreast cancer prognosis, offering an opportunity to improveunderstand and monitor disease progression.