Cancer Cells Exploit Alternative Nutrient Pathways to Support Growth

Cancer cells demonstrate remarkable adaptability when it comes to their survival strategies, particularly in how they acquire the nutrients necessary for growth and proliferation. While glucose remains the primary energy source for many cancers, recent research highlights that cancer cells can also harness alternative metabolic routes, including the use of ketone bodies such as β-hydroxybutyrate (β-OHB). These ketones, produced during fasting or low-carb diets, can serve as fuel sources for cancer cells.

A groundbreaking study by scientists at Van Andel Institute has revealed that cancer cells can process β-OHB through a non-canonical pathway to generate acetyl-CoA. This molecule is vital for synthesizing fatty acids and cholesterol, which are essential components of cell membranes and are crucial for rapid cell division and tumor growth. Interestingly, cancer cells can activate this alternative pathway even when glucose is abundantly available, indicating a complex metabolic flexibility.

The research, published in Nature Metabolism, suggests that understanding these backup metabolic routes may change how we view the relationship between diet and cancer. Dr. Evan Lien, the study’s lead author, emphasized that interfering with these alternative nutrient pathways could provide new therapeutic avenues to hinder cancer progression.

Moreover, this metabolic versatility is not exclusive to cancer cells. Immune cells, such as T cells, also utilize ketones as energy sources and employ similar backup pathways for acetyl-CoA production. These findings underscore the importance of studying cellular metabolism in various contexts, including diet, immune response, and cancer development.

While the implications of this research are still emerging, it highlights the necessity for a comprehensive understanding of cellular nutrient utilization. Future investigations could explore how dietary interventions influence cancer metabolism and whether targeting these alternative pathways can improve treatment outcomes. For more detailed insights, see the full study in Nature Metabolism.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-cancer-cells-backup-routes-fuel.html