Produced naturally by the body, glutathione is widely sold as a supplement. It’s also a powerful nutrient for tumors.
New research from scientists at the University of Rochester’s Wilmot Cancer Institute reveals that glutathione—an antioxidant produced naturally in the body and widely marketed as a health supplement—may also serve as a powerful fuel source for cancer cells. The study, published in Nature, shows that tumors can break down glutathione to support their growth, challenging long-held assumptions about its role in human health.
The research was led by Isaac Harris, an associate professor in the Department of Biomedical Genetics, and colleagues including co-first authors Fabio Hecht and Marco Zocchi, both in the Harris Lab. The findings highlight how cancer cells adapt to survive in nutrient-poor environments. While glutathione is widely known for protecting cells from damage, the team found that cancer cells can “hijack” it and use it as a nutrient, particularly in environments where other resources are scarce.
By analyzing human breast tumor samples and preclinical models of breast cancer, the researchers found abundant storage of glutathione, confirming that tumors aggressively consume the antioxidant. They also demonstrated that blocking the cancer’s ability to use glutathione can slow tumor growth.
The findings open new avenues for cancer treatment, particularly approaches aimed at inhibiting a tumor’s ability to use glutathione, without impacting healthy cells. Harris and his team—including URochester chemist Tom Driver, the Robert K. Boeckman Jr., and Mary H. Delton Family Distinguished Professor in Organic Chemistry, and Joshua Munger, professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics and an expert in cancer cell metabolism—are exploring ways to refine potential drugs that could inhibit this process and improve outcomes for patients.
At the same time, the researchers emphasize that while antioxidant-rich foods remain important for overall health, supplements that contain high concentrations of glutathione may warrant caution as scientists continue to better understand glutathione’s role in cancer biology.
“Eating a balanced diet with fruits and vegetables is important. It can control weight, reduce inflammation, and support a healthy immune system,” Harris says. “But people should be cautious about taking supplements in general, particularly glutathione. Taking a pill that is unregulated by the FDA and has a high concentration of glutathione can present risks.”
Read the full story.
