Controlling hyperglycemia as an adjunct to cancer therapy

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Metabolic Health
• Immunology

Background:

• Hyperglycemia is common in cancer patients, but its impact on survival is less understood.
• Elevated blood glucose and high carbohydrate intake are linked to cancer risk and potentially poorer outcomes in early breast cancer.
• Understanding the mechanisms linking hyperglycemia to cancer survival is crucial for developing new therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between average blood glucose levels and cancer remission status.
• To explore the potential role of hyperglycemia in impairing immune function and hindering cancer survival.
• To discuss lifestyle interventions and ascorbic acid (AA) supplementation for managing hyperglycemia in cancer patients.

Main Methods:

• Measurement of glycated hemoglobin to assess average blood glucose over 2-3 months in cancer patients (active disease and remission).
• Review of existing evidence on carbohydrate intake and cancer survival.
• Biologically plausible explanation for hyperglycemia's impact on ascorbic acid (AA) and immune cells.

Main Results:

• Cancer patients in remission showed significantly lower average blood glucose levels compared to those with active disease.
• High carbohydrate intake is associated with poorer survival in early breast cancer patients.
• Hyperglycemia may reduce intracellular ascorbic acid (AA), impairing the hexose monophosphate shunt and immune cell function.

Conclusions:

• Lowering average blood glucose through lifestyle changes (diet, exercise) may improve cancer survival.
• Ascorbic acid (AA) supplementation could be a potential adjunct therapy, but its efficacy may be compromised by hyperglycemia.
• Hyperglycemia can negatively impact immune effectiveness by reducing intracellular AA, crucial for antioxidant status and cell-mediated immunity.