Targeting Dysregulated Lipid Metabolism in Cancer with Pharmacological Inhibitors

Simple Summary Lipid metabolism involves signalling pathways that control the uptake, synthesis, and breakdown of lipid molecules. This highly controlled system is dysregulated in cancer, aiding new membrane synthesis, energy production, and the ability to survive oxidative stress. The epigenome of cancer cells contributes to this dysregulation. Here, we delve into the dysregulation of lipid metabolism across diverse cancer types and examine how particular facets such as fatty acid uptake, synthesis, and oxidation contribute to oncogenesis. We also discuss the role of epigenetic modulators in these processes and review metabolic drugs in cancer therapeutics.Abstract Metabolic plasticity is recognised as a hallmark of cancer cells, enabling adaptation to microenvironmental changes throughout tumour progression. A dysregulated lipid metabolism plays a pivotal role in promoting oncogenesis. Oncogenic signalling pathways, such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR, JAK/STAT, Hippo, and NF-kB, intersect with the lipid metabolism to drive tumour progression. Furthermore, altered lipid signalling in the tumour microenvironment contributes to immune dysfunction, exacerbating oncogenesis. This review examines the role of lipid metabolism in tumour initiation, invasion, metastasis, and cancer stem cell maintenance. We highlight cybernetic networks in lipid metabolism to uncover avenues for cancer diagnostics, prognostics, and therapeutics.