Alec C. Kimmelman1,2 and Mara H. Sherman3 1Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA 2Department of Radiation Oncology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA 3Cancer Biology & Genetics Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA Correspondence: shermam1mskcc.org; alec.kimmelmannyulangone.org

The altered metabolism of tumor cells is a well-known hallmark of cancer and is driven by multiple factors such as mutations in oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, the origin of the tissue where the tumor arises, and the microenvironment of the tumor. These metabolic changes support the growth of cancer cells by providing energy and the necessary building blocks to sustain proliferation. Targeting these metabolic alterations therapeutically is a potential strategy to treat cancer, but it is challenging due to the metabolic plasticity of tumors. Cancer cells have developed ways to scavenge nutrients through autophagy and macropinocytosis and can also form metabolic networks with stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment. Understanding the role of the tumor microenvironment in tumor metabolism is crucial for effective therapeutic targeting. This review will discuss tumor metabolism and the contribution of the stroma in supporting tumor growth through metabolic interactions.