Wistar Institute researchers find fructose spurs ovarian cancer spread
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Scientists at the Wistar Institute have discovered that ovarian cancer cells surviving chemotherapy secrete fructose, which triggers neighboring cancer cells to spread. The findings, published in Nature Aging, suggest that even dietary fructose in sweets and sugary drinks may drive metastasis. The research points to a potential link between diet and cancer progression.
The Fructose Signal
After chemotherapy, some ovarian cancer cells stop dividing but remain biologically active, releasing molecules that promote metastasis. Wistar researchers led by Aidan Cole collected these molecules and found they significantly increased cancer cell spread. They identified fructose as the key substance secreted by surviving cells, acting as a signal for enhanced dissemination. The discovery, detailed in Nature Aging, reveals a novel mechanism of post‑chemotherapy cancer progression.
Dietary Fructose Impact
The study also found that even without chemotherapy, high fructose intake—common in sugary drinks—can signal cancer cells to spread. The researchers note that simple dietary changes might influence cancer development. This extends previous findings that chemo‑surviving cells contribute to recurrence, underscoring a potential modifiable risk factor.
Cholesterol Connection
Using CRISPR screening, the team discovered that fructose suppresses cholesterol levels in neighboring cells. Cholesterol acts as a biological glue that keeps cells together; its reduction allows cancer cells to detach and migrate more easily. This raises questions about combining cholesterol‑lowering drugs like statins with chemotherapy, particularly in postmenopausal women who often take them.
What's Next
The team plans to investigate whether this mechanism applies to other cancers that spread within the body, such as pancreatic, colon, and liver cancers. The universality of the phenomenon remains to be proven, and future research will explore dietary interventions and drug combinations.
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Wistar Institute researchers find fructose spurs ovarian cancer spread
