Targeting Energy Metabolism in Cancer Stem Cells: Progress and Challenges in Leukemia and Solid Tumors

Malignant stem cells have long been considered a key therapeutic target in leukemia. Therapeutic strategies designed to target the fundamental biology of leukemia stem cells while sparing normal hematopoietic cells may provide better outcomes for leukemia patients. One process in leukemia stem cell biology that has intriguing therapeutic potential is energy metabolism. In this article we discuss the metabolic properties of leukemia stem cells and how targeting energy metabolism may provide more effective therapeutic regimens for leukemia patients. In addition, we highlight the similarities and differences in energy metabolism between leukemia stem cells and malignant stem cells from solid tumors.