The Role of Key Glycolytic Enzymes in the Diagnosis, Treatment, and Immune Microenvironment of Colorectal Cancer.

Colorectal cancer is acknowledged as the fifth most common cause of cancer-related mortality, presenting significant challenges for patient outcomes due to its relatively gradual progression and the subtle nature of its initial symptoms. Carbohydrates, essential nutrients in cellular function, participate in various metabolic processes, including glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, and the pentose phosphate pathway. Recent studies have established that irregularities in carbohydrate metabolism play a critical role in tumor cell growth, development, and treatment resistance. Glycolysis serves as a crucial regulatory component of metabolism in cancer cells, influencing cell growth, proliferation, and functionality by modifying carbohydrate utilization. By diminishing oxidative phosphorylation activity and enhancing energy production through glycolysis, tumor cells augment their proliferative capacity and partially evade immune responses. As a result, glycolysis significantly contributes to tumor progression. We have comprehensively outlined the functions of glycolysis and its key enzymes concerning the diagnosis, treatment strategies, and immune microenvironment of colorectal cancer, with the goal of delivering innovative insights and perspectives for the clinical management and diagnosis of this condition.