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Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Research topic

Open research questions in Cancer, Lipids, and Metabolism

83 unresolved questions extracted from the limitations and future-work sections of 213 Cancer, Lipids, and Metabolism papers in our library. Each links back to the study that raised it.

What the literature leaves open

  • Investigating the molecular mechanisms of the VLCFA elongation complex and its subcomplexes, - Developing therapeutic strategies targeting TECR to modulate VLCFA biosynthesis, - Exploring the potential of orthosteric inhibitors targeting TECR

    Molecular basis of HACD-TECR complex mediated very-long-chain fatty acid elongation reveal a potential target in colorectal cancer · 2026 · DOI

  • The molecular mechanisms underlying VLCFA elongation enzymes and their specific contributions to tumorigenesis remain largely elusive. The specific interface between HACD and TECR and its role in VLCFA elongation is not well understood.

    Molecular basis of HACD-TECR complex mediated very-long-chain fatty acid elongation reveal a potential target in colorectal cancer · 2026 · DOI

  • the current evidence concerning SARIFA is methodologically heterogeneous, - direct experimental evidence linking several of these processes specifically to SARIFA in PCa remains limited, - some proposed relationships are based on indirect evidence or findings from other tumor types, - the retrospective design does not establish causality, - circulating LDL cholesterol was not evaluated in relation to tumor lipid metabolism, the tumor-adipose interface, or SARIFA status

    SARIFA and Lipid Metabolic Reprogramming in Prostate Cancer: Fundamental Mechanisms, Tumor Microenvironment, and Novel Biomarker Prospects · 2026 · DOI

  • investigating the association between SARIFA and ferroptosis in PCa, - evaluating the reproducibility, standardization, and cost-effectiveness of SARIFA assessment, - examining the relationship between lipid metabolic reprogramming and SARIFA in PCa

    SARIFA and Lipid Metabolic Reprogramming in Prostate Cancer: Fundamental Mechanisms, Tumor Microenvironment, and Novel Biomarker Prospects · 2026 · DOI

  • Acquired resistance to paclitaxel. Severe chemotherapy-associated adverse effects. The need to identify key targets of the combination of low-dose paclitaxel and dehydrocavidine.

    Low-Dose Paclitaxel Combined with Dehydrocavidine Synergistically Suppresses Cervical Cancer by Inhibiting FASN/SCD1-Mediated Lipid Metabolism · 2026 · DOI

  • Acquired resistance to paclitaxel frequently results in treatment failure. The potential of dehydrocavidine in cervical cancer and its synergism with paclitaxel remain unknown. The need for a strategy to overcome PTX resistance and reduce toxicity.

    Low-Dose Paclitaxel Combined with Dehydrocavidine Synergistically Suppresses Cervical Cancer by Inhibiting FASN/SCD1-Mediated Lipid Metabolism · 2026 · DOI

  • There is a need to better understand the biological processes that contribute to clinically significant prostate cancer. The relationship between Lipoprotein(a) and prostate cancer remains uncertain.

    Lipoprotein(a) and Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review of Observational, Genetic and Mendelian Randomization Evidence · 2026 · DOI

  • Developing innovative treatment regimens targeting cholesterol metabolism - Improving the early diagnosis and risk stratification of hematological malignancies - Investigating the role of cholesterol metabolism in the development of hematological malignancies

    Cholesterol in hematological malignancies: metabolism, mechanisms, and clinical implications · 2026 · DOI

  • Further investigation of the potential mechanistic pathways is warranted, - Investigation of the clinical utility of TyG and AIP in predicting CVD specifically among rectal cancer patients

    Triglyceride–glucose index and atherogenic index of plasma as predictors of cardiovascular risk in rectal cancer survivors · 2026 · DOI

  • Significant heterogeneity in study outcomes due to variations in statin type, dosage, treatment duration, and population-specific characteristics. Methodological limitations, including observational study designs and selection bias. The need for large-scale, long-term prospective studies to validate the efficacy of statins in oncology.

    The role of statins in the regulation of breast and colorectal cancer and future directions · 2025 · DOI

  • significant heterogeneity exists in the reported anticancer effects of statins, - methodological limitations, such as most studies being observational and lacking randomization, - substantial heterogeneity exists among study populations

    The role of statins in the regulation of breast and colorectal cancer and future directions · 2025 · DOI

  • further investigation of the role of SCD in PTC cells, - exploring the key molecular markers that influence the progression of PTC

    Fatty acid metabolism influences the immune microenvironment in papillary thyroid cancer and identifies SCD as a novel biomarker · 2025 · DOI

  • The lack of understanding of the role of fatty acid metabolism in the immune microenvironment of PTC. The need for identification of key FAM-related genes as biomarkers and potential treatment candidates. The limited understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying PTC progression.

    Fatty acid metabolism influences the immune microenvironment in papillary thyroid cancer and identifies SCD as a novel biomarker · 2025 · DOI

  • The mechanisms underlying tumor-associated hypocholesterolemia are not fully understood. The relationship between cholesterol metabolism and hematological malignancies is complex and requires further research. There is a need for therapeutic strategies that target cholesterol metabolism in hematological malignancies.

    Cholesterol in hematological malignancies: metabolism, mechanisms, and clinical implications · 2026 · DOI

  • Although daily statin use is associated with improved survival in ovarian cancer patients, the underlying mechanism of this benefit remains unclear, in part due to the use of non-clinical high doses and reliance on immunodeficient murine models in preclinical studies.

    Targeting Tumor Immunity: Statins as a Repurposed Strategy for Preventing Ovarian Cancer Advancement · 2026 · DOI

  • Obesity has an adverse effect on survival of women with ovarian cancer (OC), supporting a link between obesity, metastatic progression, and therapeutic response, but comprehensive mechanistic insight is lacking.

    Metabolic Targeting of SREBP1 Reprograms the Obesity-Driven Ascites Immune Microenvironment and Enhances Chemotherapy Response in Obesity-Associated Ovarian Cancer · 2026 · DOI

  • Proteomic findings suggest potential mechanistic pathways warranting further investigation.

    Triglyceride–glucose index and atherogenic index of plasma as predictors of cardiovascular risk in rectal cancer survivors · 2026 · DOI

  • Objective SLC1A6 remains poorly characterized in bladder cancer.

    Structure-based virtual screening identifies ethyl rosmarinate as a SLC1A6-targeted therapeutic candidate for bladder cancer · 2026 · DOI

  • Metabolic reprogramming provides cancer cells with excess fatty acids (FA) to adapt to metabolic stress; however, the precise mechanisms by which these lipid substrates are converted into sustained oncogenic signaling outputs remain incompletely elucidated.

    Bridging metabolic reprogramming and targeted therapy: the critical role of S-palmitoylation in cancer · 2026 · DOI

  • Ovarian cancer (OC) is a significant health challenge, yet the mechanisms driving its progression remain unclear.

    HKDC1 promotes ovarian cancer progression through boosting lipid metabolism and immune escape by stabilizing G6PC/G6PC2 · 2025 · DOI

  • However, the specific role and underlying molecular mechanisms of cholesterol metabolism alterations in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) remain poorly understood.

    Cholesterol metabolic reprogramming drives the onset of DLBCL and represents a promising therapeutic target · 2025 · DOI

  • However, the specific lipid metabolism mechanisms remain to be thoroughly investigated.

    FOXK2 regulates fatty acid metabolism and promotes cervical cancer progression by activating the mTOR/DRP1 signaling axis · 2025 · DOI

  • While HMGCL is involved in various biological processes, its specific role in osteosarcoma remains unclear.

    HMGCL activates autophagy in osteosarcoma through β-HB mediated inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway · 2025 · DOI

  • Despite its clinical significance, the underlying biological characteristics and associated prognostic factors remain incompletely understood.

    SPICE1 promotes osteosarcoma growth by enhancing the deubiquitination of FASN mediated by USP10 · 2025 · DOI

  • Future investigations should focus on the development of specific inhibitors that disrupt this pathway, ultimately leading to improved clinical outcomes for patients with OS.

    SPICE1 promotes osteosarcoma growth by enhancing the deubiquitination of FASN mediated by USP10 · 2025 · DOI

Most-cited papers in Cancer, Lipids, and Metabolism

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83 open questions have been extracted from the limitations and future-work passages of 213 Cancer, Lipids, and Metabolism papers in our library. Each one below links back to the study that raised it, so you can read the original claim in context.

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