Tumors Fuel Themselves on Glutathione, Opening Therapy Avenues

Researchers at the University of Rochester's Wilmot Cancer Institute found breast tumor cells actively consume glutathione, an antioxidant, as a nutrient to fuel growth; blocking the cancer’s ability to use glutathione slowed tumor growth in preclinical models and could apply to other cancers, prompting development of therapies to disrupt this pathway. The team identified a drug that could inhibit glutathione fueling and plans to refine it and test combinations with other cancer drugs and dietary changes, while cautioning that antioxidant supplements should be approached carefully and that a balanced diet remains important.