Radioresistance via lipid metabolism: intrinsic, acquired, and tumor microenvironment

Tumor cell resistance to radiotherapy is broadly classified into intrinsic resistance, acquired resistance, and resistance associated with the tumor microenvironment. Abnormal lipid metabolism is one of the prominent features of metabolic alterations in tumor cells, which adapt to survival stress by adjusting lipid metabolism. In recent years, several studies have enlightened that lipid metabolism plays a crucial and complex role in radiotherapy resistance. Understanding the mechanism of lipid metabolism in radiotherapy resistance will help to develop strategies to overcome this resistance. This review discusses studies on the mechanisms of cancer radiotherapy resistance related to lipid metabolism and presents potential approaches to improve radiotherapy efficacy by targeting lipid metabolism pathways.