Seoul: A new study from The Wistar Institute has uncovered an unexpected link between fructose-a common dietary sugar-and the spread of an aggressive form of ovarian cancer.

According to Emirates News Agency, the study, published in Nature Aging, found that cancer cells not killed by chemotherapy send signals to neighboring tumor cells, enhancing their capability to spread. Researchers identified fructose as a key messenger in this process, revealing an unrecognized pathway through which treatment-surviving cancer cells may promote cancer spread.

Aidan Cole, Ph.D., a postdoctoral fellow at The Wistar Institute and the study's first author, explained, 'Some cancer cells that survive chemotherapy aren't dividing anymore, but they're still biologically active. Instead, they continue to release molecules that send signals to nearby cells. Our study is among the first to show that a nutrient-in this case, fructose-can act as one of those signals.'

Ovarian cancer is predominantly treated with platinum-based chemotherapy, and although many patients initially respond well, the disease frequently recurs and metastasizes within the abdominal cavity. This spread accounts for approximately 90 percent of deaths from the disease. Previous research suggested that chemotherapy-resistant cancer cells contribute to recurrence by releasing a complex mix of signaling molecules.

Cole and his colleagues designed a unique experiment by collecting molecules released by chemotherapy-surviving cells. They found these factors alone could significantly increase the spread of cancer cells. This discovery led them to identify fructose as the key signal promoting cancer cell spread. They also found that consuming high levels of fructose from sugary drinks, even without chemotherapy treatment, could similarly signal cancer to spread.

The findings suggest that dietary changes could influence cancer progression. Although the direct impact of limiting fructose intake on patients hasn't been tested, the study suggests nutrition could play a previously unrecognized role in cancer progression.

Researchers are investigating why fructose increases cancer cell spread. Using various analytical techniques, including CRISPR screening, they discovered fructose suppresses cholesterol within neighboring cells. Cholesterol is crucial for cells to adhere to each other, so its decrease facilitates easier cell escape and spread.

The team is also exploring whether this mechanism might apply beyond ovarian cancer.