Cancer Cells Exploit Alternative Nutrient Pathways to Support Growth
Recent research uncovers how cancer cells utilize alternative metabolic routes, including ketone processing, to fuel their growth even when glucose is plentiful, opening new avenues for cancer therapy.
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
Stay Updated with Mia's Feed
Get the latest health & wellness insights delivered straight to your inbox.
Related Articles
Early Brain Development Changes May Reveal Causes of Autism and Schizophrenia
New research unveils how early changes in DNA methylation during brain development may underpin neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism and schizophrenia, highlighting the importance of epigenetic processes in brain formation.
Innovative Personalized Cancer Vaccine Elicits Strong Immune Response in Melanoma Patients
A recent phase 1 trial reveals that an improved personalized cancer vaccine, NeoVax®MI, safely elicits powerful immune responses in melanoma patients by enhancing T cell activation and tumor infiltration.
Innovative Immunotherapy Targets Common Cancer Mutation, Brings New Hope for Lung and Prostate Cancer Patients
A new immunotherapy developed by researchers targets a common gene mutation in aggressive cancers like lung and prostate, showing promising results in preclinical studies and opening pathways for broader cancer treatments.
Understanding Thyroid Cancer Risks in Women and Men
Learn about the risks, symptoms, and treatment options for thyroid cancer in both women and men, with recent insights highlighting that the danger is equal for both genders, especially in advanced cases.