Researchers at the Wilmot Cancer Institute at the University of Rochester announced on Mar. 18 that they have discovered cancer cells use the antioxidant glutathione as a fuel source, potentially opening new avenues for cancer treatment. The study was published in the scientific journal Nature and led by Isaac Harris, PhD, with co-corresponding author Fabio Hecht, PhD, and co-first author Marco Zocchi, PhD.
The discovery is significant because it challenges previous assumptions about antioxidants and their role in cancer biology. While glutathione has been widely studied for its ability to prevent or repair cell damage, this research suggests it can also feed tumor growth. “Cancer cells and normal cells potentially use different food sources,” Harris said. “We discovered how cancer cells, specifically, break down this antioxidant and use it as fuel.”
Harris explained that most scientists have focused on glutathione’s protective qualities rather than its potential to support tumors. “Maybe we need to re-examine the pantry that cancer relies on and look at things that we never thought could actually be used as food for tumors,” he said. He added that other complex metabolites are being investigated for similar roles in cancer nutrition.
The team analyzed breast tumor samples from Wilmot’s Biobank and found high levels of glutathione inside tumors, confirming aggressive consumption by cancer cells. Using preclinical models of breast cancer, researchers were able to slow tumor growth by blocking the ability of cancers to use glutathione.
Harris cautioned against drawing broad conclusions about diet from these findings: “Eating a balanced diet with fruits and vegetables is important. It can control weight, reduce inflammation, and support a healthy immune system,” he said. However, he warned people should be cautious about taking unregulated supplements containing high concentrations of glutathione.
The research team identified an existing drug that may inhibit tumors’ ability to use glutathione and is working with University of Rochester chemist Tom Driver, PhD, and biochemist Joshua Munger, PhD, to improve this therapy further. Their goal is to develop treatments that target tumors without harming healthy cells.
“Even though glutathione was discovered 100 years ago, we are finding completely new aspects to its biology,” Harris said. “There is a lot left to understand but we’re hopeful we can translate these discoveries to new therapies.”
