Researchers have made an intriguing discovery about glutathione, an antioxidant that cancer cells seem to consume for energy. This finding could lead to new treatments aimed at disrupting this nutrient’s role in tumor growth.
The study, published in Nature, was led by Isaac Harris and his team from the Wilmot Cancer Institute at the University of Rochester. They found that while nutrients around tumors are often limited, cancer cells have developed a unique way to thrive by utilizing glutathione.
Harris explains, “Cancer cells and normal cells may have different sources of food. We found that cancer cells break down glutathione and use it as fuel.” This shift in understanding is crucial. Scientists have traditionally seen glutathione primarily as a protector against cell damage, not as a source of nourishment for cancer.
This revelation leads Harris to suggest that we might need to reconsider the nutrients we think of as harmless. Antioxidants, which are often promoted for health, might have different effects in the presence of cancer. For instance, a study by Harris’s colleague found that taurine, another antioxidant, can spur the growth of leukemia cells.
In earlier studies, Harris and his team highlighted how a whole-food, plant-based diet can limit sources that fuel tumors. Their latest work goes further, revealing that breast tumors often store high levels of glutathione. When the researchers blocked the tumor’s use of this nutrient in preclinical models, they were able to slow tumor growth.
Interestingly, the implications of this research may extend to various types of cancer, as many tumors seem to depend on glutathione. However, Harris emphasizes that this doesn’t mean people should cut out antioxidant-rich foods like fruits and vegetables. These foods help manage weight, reduce inflammation, and support a healthy immune system. That said, he warns against taking unregulated glutathione supplements, which could pose risks.
Harris’s team is now looking for therapies to inhibit the tumor’s ability to use glutathione. They’ve identified a promising drug, first developed nearly a decade ago, and are working with chemists and biochemists at the university to enhance its effectiveness and target the specific proteins that feed tumors.
“Even though glutathione has been known for a century, we’re uncovering new aspects of its biology,” Harris notes. Researchers hope these insights can lead to innovative treatments that target tumor cells while sparing healthy ones.
The study received support from several organizations, including the Wilmot Cancer Institute and the National Institutes of Health, showcasing the collaborative effort behind this groundbreaking work.
For more information, you can read the original announcement from the University of Rochester.
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