Abstract:Polyamines such as spermine, spermidine, and putrescine play pivotal roles in the proliferation, differentiation, and development of eukaryotes. Multiple regulatory mechanisms strictly control intracellular polyamine concentrations to maintain them within specific physiological ranges in normal cells. However, abnormal expression of enzymes in the metabolic pathways of polyamines, found in many tumor states such as cancer, results in the dysregulation of polyamines. Targeting key enzymes in the polyamine metabolic process is considered a potential therapeutic strategy, as polyamines are involved in regulating anti-tumor immune responses. Research has shown that dysregulation of polyamine metabolism is critical in cancer development and progression. In this paper, recent advancements in polyamine research will be systematically discussed, including their metabolic pathways in cancer research.