Common sugar could be lead cause of cancer relapse, major study suggests

"Instead, they continue to release molecules that send signals to nearby cells.

Our study is among the first to show that a nutrient — in this case, fructose — can act as one of those signals."Most patients with ovarian cancer receive platinum-based chemotherapy, a treatment that uses drugs containing platinum to damage the DNA of cancer cells and prevent them from reproducing.Although many patients initially respond well, the cancer eventually returns in most cases and also frequently spreads throughout the abdominal cavity,….

Understanding what allows cancer cells to escape from their original location and develop new tumors is a major topic of research.Previous studies have suggested that cancer cells surviving chemotherapy may contribute to recurrence even when they are no longer actively dividing.

These surviving cells can continue producing and releasing a mixture of substances that influence the behavior of surrounding cells.The next challenge was identifying which substances were responsible for encouraging cancer cells to spread.

The researchers discovered an unexpected culprit: fructose.Fructose is a naturally occurring sugar found in fruit, honey, and other foods.

It is also a component of table sugar and high fructose corn syrup, a sweetener frequently used in soft drinks and processed foods.The study revealed that cancer cells surviving chemotherapy could produce fructose and release it into their surroundings.

Rather than simply serving as an energy source, the sugar acted as a chemical messenger that encouraged neighboring cancer cells to become more capable of spreading.This observation suggests that diet might influence cancer progression through a mechanism scientists had not previously recognized.

Fructose consumption is particularly relevant in the United States, where high fructose corn syrup can account for approximately 8% to 20% of daily calorie intake in some individuals.The experiments revealed that fructose suppresses cholesterol production in neighboring cancer cells.Although cholesterol is often discussed in connection with heart disease, it also serves essential functions throughout the body.It is an important component of cell membranes, the thin outer layers that surround cells….

As a result, cancer cells can detach more easily, potentially allowing them to escape and spread to other locations.While the potential implications for diet and medication remain uncertain, identifying fructose as a signal that helps cancer cells spread despite treatment could eventually point researchers toward new strategies for preventing metastasis and improving cancer treatment.

Common sugar could be lead cause of cancer relapse, major study suggests November 12, 2026.