Scientists have identified a possible link between fructose consumption and the spread of an aggressive form of ovarian cancer, researchers at The Wistar Institute have found while studying how tumour cells behave after chemotherapy. The results are published on MedicalXpress.
During the study, experts discovered that some cancer cells can survive treatment. Although these cells stop dividing actively, they remain biologically active and continue to release signalling molecules that affect surrounding tumour cells. According to the authors, fructose may be one such factor: it is both produced by chemotherapy‑surviving cells and introduced into the body through diet, including foods and beverages high in sugar.
Experiments showed that fructose can alter cholesterol metabolism in neighbouring tumour cells. Lower cholesterol levels weaken the ability of these cells to adhere to one another, making it easier for them to detach from the main tumour and spread throughout the body. The researchers believe this mechanism could contribute to a more aggressive disease course.
The team paid particular attention to sugary drinks as a potential source of high fructose intake. Their data suggest that even without chemotherapy, high fructose consumption may create conditions that give tumour cells additional opportunities to spread.
The authors emphasise that the findings are at a preclinical stage. It has not yet been established whether reducing fructose intake could affect the progression of ovarian cancer in patients, so dietary changes should not be considered a substitute for current treatments. In future work, the scientists plan to investigate whether this mechanism also operates in other types of cancer, including tumours of the pancreas, intestine, and liver.
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