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Spread of cancer linked to cell metabolism, study shows

By Ryan Maass

GHENT, Belgium, Oct. 21 (UPI) -- Cellular metabolism in white blood cells can be manipulated to prevent the spread of cancer, VIB and KU Leuven researchers suggest in a new study.

According to the authors of the study, published online in the journal Cell Metabolism, specific types of white blood cells called macrophages can be re-engineered to "steal" sugar from tumors, effectively tightening their structure and containing cancer.

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During the experiment, investigators assessed glycosis within macrophages to understand how the cells convert sugar into energy. By blocking a specific gene identified as REDD1, the research team was able to stimulate the process.

"The supply of glucose to a tumor has a negative effect, comparable to giving too much sugar to a child: it causes hyper-activation of many cellular compartments," professor Massimiliano Mazzone explained in a press release. "More specifically, the cells that are forming the blood vessels are getting out of control by this glucose overload. They quickly give shape to a chaotic, irregular vessel network typical to cancer."

Macrophages are the white blood cells tasked with fighting invading microorganisms in the body. By turning them against the blood vessels in tumors, the research team is confident they can make cancer treatments more effective.

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"By changing the macrophages' metabolism, we actually set up a 'glucose competition' between the macrophages and the tumor's blood vessels," Mazzone added. "As a result, the macrophages can eat the glucose instead of the blood vessel cells. Because the latter are not overstimulated anymore, they are able to create vessels in a gentler way. This forms a structured and strong vessel barrier around the tumor, preventing cancer cells to escape to the bloodstream and invade distant organs."

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