Open Access

An integrative theory for cancer (Review)

  • Authors:
    • Guopei Luo
    • Na Liu
  • View Affiliations

  • Published online on: November 28, 2018     https://doi.org/10.3892/ijmm.2018.4004
  • Pages: 647-656
  • Copyright: © Luo et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License.

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Abstract

In the integrative theory, chronic irritations induce tumors with genetic alterations and rapid proliferative ability. Tumor cells reprogram the metabolism and employ aerobic glycolysis to sustain rapid growth. The host provides both the nutrients and exhaust system to support tumor growth via the tumor microenvironment. Under certain conditions, such as aging, diabetes, obesity and a high‑fat diet, the exhaust system is impaired, triggering a metabolic imbalance between the tumor and host. This is similar to a problematic car with an advanced motor with an out‑of‑date exhaust system. The metabolic imbalance causes a metabolic catastrophe, making tumor cells reside in a dismal environment and forcing them to invade, metastasize and undergo necrosis. Tumor necrosis, particularly in metastases, leads to non‑specific systemic inflammation, which is the major cause of cancer‑related mortality. On the whole, the integrative theory views cancer in an integrative manner and proposes that both genetic alterations and tumor‑host interaction as regards metabolism and immunology determine the destiny of the tumor and host. Although cancer is a genetic disease, tumor biology is basically the nature of the host.
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February-2019
Volume 43 Issue 2

Print ISSN: 1107-3756
Online ISSN:1791-244X

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Spandidos Publications style
Luo G and Luo G: An integrative theory for cancer (Review). Int J Mol Med 43: 647-656, 2019
APA
Luo, G., & Luo, G. (2019). An integrative theory for cancer (Review). International Journal of Molecular Medicine, 43, 647-656. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijmm.2018.4004
MLA
Luo, G., Liu, N."An integrative theory for cancer (Review)". International Journal of Molecular Medicine 43.2 (2019): 647-656.
Chicago
Luo, G., Liu, N."An integrative theory for cancer (Review)". International Journal of Molecular Medicine 43, no. 2 (2019): 647-656. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijmm.2018.4004