Lung Cancer Tumours Feed on Sugar Hidden in the Western Diet
Lung cancer tumours have been discovered to 'feed' off sugar, according to a new study investigating the connection between diet and lung cancer. Researchers labelled glycogen, a molecule that stores a type of sugar known as glucose, as a "giant lollipop for cancer's sweet tooth". American scientists reported that the more glycogen found in cancer cells, the larger and worse the tumour growth. Lung tumours grew when scientists fed mice a "Western diet" high in fat and fructose, a fruit sugar. High-fructose corn syrup is a common sweetener in processed foods and drinks. Conversely, tumour growth decreased when glycogen levels fell. The researchers summarised their findings, stating: "The typical Western diet increases glycogen levels and glycogen feeds lung cancer tumours by providing their building blocks for growth.", reports Surrey Live. Glycogen is an "exceptionally good predictor" of tumour growth and death in lung cancer patients, said Ramon Sun, PhD, an associate professor and director of the University of Florida Center for Advanced Spatial Biomolecule Research. The impact of diet on lung cancer is not as well-studied as other cancers of the body.
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Glycogen the Fuel Behind Lung Cancer Growth
Glycogen is the fuel behind tumour growth. The molecule stores glucose, a type of sugar, and the study positions it as a potential driver of cancer progression. In addition, Glycogen is described as an "exceptionally good predictor" of tumour growth and death in lung cancer patients, underscoring its potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target. Professor Ramon Sun emphasized the novelty of the connection, while acknowledging that dietary impacts on lung cancer have been underexplored relative to other cancers.
Western Diet Triggers Lung Tumor Growth in Mice
The groundbreaking study, published in Nature Metabolism, expanded upon previous research into Lafora disease, an extremely rare neurological condition. Prof Sun, alongside fellow researcher Prof Matthew Gentry, had previously spent two decades investigating this illness, which sees patients develop normally for around 10 years before epilepsy strikes. This is followed by dementia, with most sufferers tragically dying before reaching their mid-twenties. Whilst diet is frequently discussed in cancer prevention, the researchers highlighted that this marks one of the first occasions where lung cancer has been directly connected to what we eat. The study showed that a Western diet high in fat and fructose can promote tumour growth in mice, while lowering glycogen levels reduced growth.
Glycogen-Targeting Therapies and Long-Term Health
An additional advantage of targeting glycogen lies in the range of treatment possibilities. Prof Gentry observed that three different types of medication currently exist which influence glycogen levels, all developed through Lafora disease research. Prof Gentry said: "Prioritising a nutrient-rich diet, maintaining an active lifestyle and minimising alcohol intake are foundational strategies for long-term health. Fostering better dietary habits can be a powerful tool in lung cancer prevention." Prof Sun added the broader perspective: "Lung cancer has not traditionally been thought of as a dietary-related disease. Diseases like pancreatic cancer or liver cancer, yes. However, when it comes to lung cancer, the idea that diet could play a role is rarely discussed."
Prevention, Public Awareness and Policy
In the long term, our approach to cancer prevention should mirror the success of the anti-smoking campaign - placing greater emphasis on public awareness and policy-driven strategies that promote healthier dietary choices as a fundamental component of disease prevention, Prof Sun said. This study marks one of the first occasions where lung cancer has been directly connected to diet, highlighting the potential of glycogen as a biomarker and therapeutic target. As researchers push forward, they emphasize fundamental health guidance: prioritising a nutrient-rich diet, maintaining an active lifestyle and minimising alcohol intake as part of long-term health.
