Scientists Uncover Vitamin B Vulnerability in Aggressive Brain Cancer
Researchers have identified a "hidden vulnerability" related to vitamin B metabolism in one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer, opening the door to potential diet-based treatment strategies that could slow tumour growth. The groundbreaking discovery centres on glioblastoma, a fast-growing and difficult-to-treat cancer.
Combining Diet with Existing Medications
The international research team found that combining a prescribed, specialised diet with commonly used steroid anti-inflammatory drugs could have a significant impact on glioblastoma progression. Their study, published in the journal Science Advances, reveals surprising effects from widely-used medications on how this aggressive cancer processes essential vitamins.
Dr Saverio Tardito, who participated in the project, explained: "We discovered a previously hidden vulnerability in glioblastoma tumours which could lead to new diagnostic and treatment strategies for patients, including diet-based approaches. By combining steroid treatment with dietary strategies that limit the availability of the amino acid methionine, we were able to slow tumour growth in preclinical models, pointing to the potential of diet-based interventions to enhance existing therapies."
Metabolic Weakness Exploited Therapeutically
The research specifically found that steroid medications dramatically alter how glioblastoma cells process vitamin B3. This creates a metabolic weakness that can be exploited therapeutically. When steroids are administered, reducing methionine—an amino acid—in a patient's diet effectively deprives glioblastoma cells of the key metabolites they need to proliferate.
The project involved researchers from five European countries, including scientists from the Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute based in Glasgow. This collaborative effort highlights the international importance of the findings.
Urgent Need for New Glioblastoma Treatments
Sam Godfrey, science engagement lead at Cancer Research UK, emphasised the critical nature of this research: "Glioblastoma is a fast-growing cancer with new and better treatments needed urgently. Discoveries which could potentially slow down its growth and provide families with more time are desperately needed. Research like this can lead to the breakthroughs that make a difference to people's lives, and we are delighted to have partly funded this research."
The study represents a significant step forward in understanding glioblastoma metabolism and offers hope for complementary treatment approaches that could extend survival times for patients facing this devastating diagnosis. While further clinical trials are needed, the research points to the potential of integrating nutritional strategies with conventional cancer therapies.
