Creatine as Immune Fuel: A New Route to Boost Cancer Immunotherapy

A UCLA-led study shows creatine can power dendritic cells and killer T cells to attack cancer, potentially enhancing immunotherapies. In human cells and mouse tumor models, higher creatine transport into dendritic cells correlated with stronger T-cell activation, and boosting creatine slowed tumor growth in mice. The findings are preliminary (cell culture and animal work) and clinical trials are planned; patients should not self-administer creatine to treat cancer without a doctor.