A group of researchers from different countries has found a new method for treating cancer by using nutrients to restart metabolic pathways that have been suppressed in cancer cells.
They utilized a common amino acid called tyrosine, which was enclosed in a nanomedicine, to alter the metabolism of melanoma, a dangerous type of skin cancer, and stop the growth of cancer cells.
Australia has the highest incidence of skin cancer globally. This innovative technique could be a potential game-changer in the fight against cancer.A recent study, led by Professor Wenbo Bu from Fudan University and Professor Dayong Jin from the University of Technology Sydney, has shown that a new therapy for melanoma could be combined with current treatments to improve outcomes. The technique has potential for treating other types of cancer as well. The study, titled “Nutrient-delivery and metabolism reactivation therapy for melanoma,” was published in the journal Nature Nanotechnology.
The researchers found that tyrosine, a nutrient with limited bioavailability in living organisms, can be effectively delivered to cancer cells using nanomicelles – tiny particles attracted to cancer cell membranes. This breakthrough has the potential to significantly improve the treatment of melanoma and other types of cancer.
The new treatment was tested in mice and human-derived melanoma cells in the laboratory. The researchers discovered that the tyrosine nanomicelles were able to reactivate dormant metabolic pathways, trigger melanin synthesis, and hinder tumor growth.
Professor Jin explained, “Cancer cells have uncontrolled rapid growth, which sets them apart from normal cells. In these cells, certain metabolic pathways are over-activated while others are suppressed to create an environment that allows for rapid spread.”
According to Professor Jin, “There have been a few metabolism-based drugs for cancer that have been developed, but they have limitations.”Previously developed treatments such as aromatase inhibitors, which block estrogen synthesis in breast cancer, and HK2 inhibitors, which target glycolysis in various cancers, work by suppressing overactive metabolic pathways,” he said.
“Our study reveals for the first time that cancer can be halted by reactivating dormant metabolic pathways. And this can be achieved using simple nutrients, such as amino acids, sugars, and vitamins, which are safe, readily available, and well tolerated,” stated Professor Bu.
Various types of cancer will require different nutrients. Melanoma cells originate from melanocytes, which are skin cells that produce melanin requires tyrosine and can be stimulated by it, making it effective in treating melanoma. Reactivating melanin synthesis causes melanoma cells to decrease glycolysis, the process of converting sugar to energy, which is believed to be the reason for its anti-cancer effect. Melanoma cells are also sensitive to heat stress. Researchers discovered that combining tyrosine nanomicelle treatment with near-infrared laser treatment resulted in the eradication of melanoma in mice after six days, and it did not reappear during the study period. These findings suggest a promising new treatment for melanoma.Breakthrough in the application of nanomedicine for treating cancer.
