Research progress in metabolic reprogramming and targeting metabolic pathways for clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), the most common pathological subtype of renal cancer, is characterized by distinctive metabolic reprogramming that serves as a core molecular pathological basis driving tumorigenesis, progression, and therapeutic resistance. The metabolic remodeling in ccRCC primarily manifests as dysregulated glucose metabolism, lipid accumulation, imbalanced amino acid utilization, and mitochondrial dysfunction. These alterations collectively sustain tumor cell bioenergetic demands, biosynthetic precursor supply, and redox homeostasis maintenance. Recent advances in multi-omics technologies and spatially resolved analytical methods have propelled ccRCC metabolism research beyond macroscopic description toward mechanistic investigation and targeted intervention. This article systematically reviews research progress focusing on metabolic reprogramming of ccRCC and the development of related therapeutic agents for this cancer.