2-deoxyglucose

2-Deoxyglucose is a synthetic compound similar to glucose, the body's main energy source. Unlike regular glucose, 2-deoxyglucose can't be fully broken down to produce energy. Instead, it gets taken up by cells and begins the process of energy production but gets stuck partway through, blocking the pathway. This interference can slow down or stop cell growth and activity, especially in rapidly dividing cells like cancer cells. Because of this, 2-deoxyglucose is studied for potential cancer treatments and imaging, helping to identify or inhibit abnormal cell growth by disrupting their energy metabolism.