Fructose identified as a trigger for ovarian cancer metastasis, scientists reveal

Unexpected risk factor: Fructose tied to cancer spread

According to НВ — Техно: Date: August 3, 8:00 a.m.

Fructose may encourage ovarian cancer cells to metastasize, according to a study from The Wistar Institute led by Aidan Cole and Katherine Aird and published in Nature Aging. In laboratory experiments, the team found that chemotherapy-surviving cells release fructose as a signal to nearby tumor cells. That signal lowers cholesterol-a substance that normally acts like a biological adhesive keeping cells connected. With less cholesterol, malignant cells can break away and travel, sharply raising the odds of metastasis. For patients undergoing treatment, this reinforces why dietary habits deserve closer attention in cancer care.

Why metastasis matters in cancer treatment

Nearly 90% of ovarian cancer fatalities are linked to metastasis. The disease is commonly treated with platinum-based chemotherapy. The researchers note that fructose, which can account for 8-20% of daily caloric intake in nations where corn syrup is heavily used, may prompt tumor cells to spread even in the absence of chemo drugs.

Using CRISPR genetic screening, the investigators showed that fructose lowers cholesterol levels in adjacent cancer cells, which in turn supports further metastatic growth. The same mechanism may also apply to pancreatic, colorectal, and liver cancers, the team suspects. They are now exploring whether statins-taken by around 39 million people in the U.S.-interact with chemotherapy, while urging patients not to stop taking prescribed medications on their own.

These findings offer a fresh window into how cancer spreads and how dietary choices might influence disease progression.

Because diet can have substantial consequences for patients undergoing cancer treatment, the results underscore the need for more research into nutritional effects on tumors. This line of inquiry could lead to new strategies for preventing metastasis and improving outcomes for oncology patients.

As researchers continue to uncover the complexities of cancer triggers, it's essential to consider how various diets may influence cancer risk. For instance, a recent study highlights a potential connection between the keto diet and increased cancer risk in mice, suggesting that dietary choices could play a significant role in cancer progression. Understanding these links can help patients make informed decisions during treatment.