Targeting the Warburg Effect in Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma: Metabolic Vulnerabilities and Therapeutic Opportunities

The document reviews the potential of targeting the Warburg Effect (WE) in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) as a therapeutic strategy. The WE involves cancer cells' preference for glycolysis over oxidative phosphorylation, supporting rapid proliferation. Key mutations and signaling pathways, such as BRAF, RAS, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR, contribute to this metabolic shift. Targeting metabolic nodes like glucose transporters and hexokinase shows promise in preclinical studies, reducing tumor growth and enhancing treatment responses. The review suggests that combination therapies, patient stratification using biomarkers, and targeted delivery systems could address toxicity and resistance. Despite advancements, further research is needed to develop effective treatments targeting the diverse oncogenic pathways contributing to the WE in ATC.