RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Causes and Consequences of Increased Glucose Metabolism of Cancers JF Journal of Nuclear Medicine JO J Nucl Med FD Society of Nuclear Medicine SP 24S OP 42S DO 10.2967/jnumed.107.047258 VO 49 IS Suppl 2 A1 Robert J. Gillies A1 Ian Robey A1 Robert A. Gatenby YR 2008 UL http://jnm.snmjournals.org/content/49/Suppl_2/24S.abstract AB In this review we examine the mechanisms (causes) underlying the increased glucose consumption observed in tumors within a teleological context (consequences). In other words, we will ask not only “How do cancers have high glycolysis?” but also, “Why?” We believe that the insights gained from answering the latter question support the conclusion that elevated glucose consumption is a necessary component of carcinogenesis. Specifically we propose that glycolysis is elevated because it produces acid, which provides an evolutionary advantage to cancer cells vis-à-vis normal parenchyma into which they invade.