Cancer Growth Linked to Sugar

Cancer Growth Linked to Sugar

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Cancer Growth Linked to Sugar

A nine-year study into how our bodies process sugar has led to an important breakthrough in cancer research.

Three scientists from the University of Leuven in Belgium have found a real connection between sugar and cancer by studying the Warburg effect, the biochemical process where cancer cells rapidly break down sugars, which in turn stimulates the growth of tumors.

The results of their study were published in the journal Nature Communications.

Johan Thevelein, a microbiologist and one of the research leaders says that the team’s studies reveal how the consumption of sugar by cancer cells leads to “a vicious cycle of continued stimulation of cancer development and growth.“

Until now, it was unclear whether the Warburg effect was merely a symptom of cancer, or whether it could affect its growth. Now, 암보험비교사이트 the new study reveals that it actually stimulates tumor growth.

"This link between sugar and cancer has sweeping consequences. Our results provide a foundation for future research in this domain, which can now be performed with a much more precise and relevant focus.“ Thevelein said.

It is believed that the results of the research could possibly lead to the development of specially designed diets for cancer patients.

However, the scientists caution that further research is necessary as they are still not able “to identify the primary cause of the Warburg effect."