How does cancer affect the host?

The tumor requires a continuous supply of nutrients to sustain its uncontrolled growth. To maximize the utilization of these nutrients, cancers rewire their metabolism. In addition, cancers rewire the cells' metabolism 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 metabolic changes in the tumor and its microenvironment, our lab explores the metabolic changes that cancer imposes on the host, either directly through secreted molecules or indirectly via the immune and nervous systems, aiming to prevent these changes and limit carcinogenesis.