Cancer cell possesses numerous adaptations to resist the immune system response and chemotherapy. One of the most significant properties of the neoplastic cells is the altered lipid metabolism, and consequently, the abnormal cell membrane composition. Like in the case of phosphatidylcholine, these changes result in the modulation of certain enzymes and accumulation of energetic material, which could be used for a higher proliferation rate. The changes are so prominent, that some lipids, such as phosphatidylserines, could even be considered as the cancer biomarkers. Additionally, some changes of biophysical properties of cell membranes lead to the higher resistance to chemotherapy, and finally to the disturbances in signalling pathways. Namely, the increased levels of certain lipids, like for instance phosphatidylserine, lead to the attenuation of the immune system response. Also, changes in lipid saturation prevent the cells from demanding conditions of the microenvironment. Particularly interesting is the significance of cell membrane cholesterol content in the modulation of metastasis. This review paper discusses the roles of each lipid type in cancer physiology. The review combined theoretical data with clinical studies to show novel therapeutic options concerning the modulation of cell membranes in oncology.

癌细胞具有多种适应能力来抵抗免疫系统反应和化疗。肿瘤细胞最重要的特性之一是脂质代谢改变，从而导致细胞膜组成异常。与磷脂酰胆碱的情况一样，这些变化导致某些酶的调节和能量物质的积累，这可用于更高的增殖率。这些变化如此显着，以至于某些脂质（例如磷脂酰丝氨酸）甚至可以被视为癌症生物标志物。此外，细胞膜生物物理特性的一些变化导致化疗耐药性升高，最终导致信号通路紊乱。也就是说，某些脂质（例如磷脂酰丝氨酸）水平的增加会导致免疫系统反应减弱。此外，脂质饱和度的变化可以防止细胞适应微环境的苛刻条件。特别有趣的是细胞膜胆固醇含量在调节转移中的重要性。这篇综述论文讨论了每种脂质类型在癌症生理学中的作用。该综述将理论数据与临床研究结合起来，展示了有关肿瘤学细胞膜调节的新治疗选择。