Impairment of Lactate Metabolism in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Cancer by MCT1/MCT4 Inhibition
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common among pancreatic cancers. The average 5-year survival rate of this highly aggressive cancer is 10%. The unusual immunological properties of PDAC cancer have increased the aggressiveness of the tumor and limited treatment opportunities. While oxidative phosphorylation underlies the energy metabolism of healthy cells, energy metabolism in cancer cells prioritizes the glycolytic pathway. The lactate cycle, which constitutes the main energy metabolism of PDAC cancer, has an important place in PDAC cancer studies. The symbiotic relationship between glycolytic and oxidative cells strengthens cancer tissue and makes it more aggressive. It is expected that lactate balance disrupted as a result of MCT1 and MCT4 inhibition will stop or even destroy the development of cancerous tissues by affecting both intracellular acidity and ATP metabolism. In the screenings carried out in line with these assumptions, 4 substances (Conivaptan, Lomitapide mesylate, Nilotinib hydrochloride and Radotinib) were determined as inhibitors for both MCT1 and MCT4. Afterwards, the bonds between these substances were visualized with the Biovia DSV program and discussed in the results section. Further clinical studies and development of these substances are encouraged.