How does cancer affect the host?

The tumor requires a continuous nutrient supply to support its uncontrolled growth. To maximize the utilization of these nutrients, cancers rewire their metabolism. In addition, cancers rewire the metabolism of the cells in their microenvironment. Yet, it is clear that the macroenvironment of the tumor, meaning the host, is also affected by the cancer. Identifying the crosstalk between cancer and its host has immediate translational implications for cancer systemic manifestations as metastasis, resistance to therapy, and cancer cachexia. While multiple research groups focus on the metabolic changes in the tumor and its microenvironment, our lab explores the metabolic changes that cancer imposes on the host aiming to prevent these changes and restrict carcinogenesis.