Lung cancer tumors have been found to feed on sugar, according to a new study examining the link between diet and lung cancer.
Researchers have labeled glycogen, a molecule that stores a type of sugar known as glucose, as a “giant lollipop for cancer’s sweet tooth.”
American scientists reported that the more glycogen found in cancer cells, the bigger and worse the tumor growth.
Lung tumors grew when scientists fed mice a “Western diet” rich in fat and fructose, a fruit sugar. High fructose corn syrup is a common sweetener in processed foods and drinks.
It was noted that tumor growth decreased as glycogen levels decreased.
According to Surrey Livethe researchers summarized their findings and stated, “The typical Western diet increases glycogen levels and glycogen fuels lung cancer tumors by providing their building blocks for growth.”
Glycogen is an “exceptionally good predictor” of tumor growth and death in lung cancer patients, says Ramon Sun, PhD, associate professor and director of the University of Florida Center for Advanced Spatial Biomolecule Research.
However, the impact of diet on lung cancer is not as well studied as other cancers of the body.
Professor Sun said: “Lung cancer is not traditionally seen as a diet-related disease. Diseases such as pancreatic cancer or liver cancer are. However, when it comes to lung cancer, the idea that diet could play a role is rarely discussed.”
