In 2015, there were an estimated 11,880 new cases of glioblastoma multiforme brain tumors according to Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Glioblastoma multiforme is considered the most lethal and common form of brain tumors with overall survival averaging 12 to 15 months.
New research out of Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC-James) shows that changes in the body’s metabolism of essential amino acids help drive the development of glioblastomas multiforme.
Essential amino acids are organic compounds that our bodies need but cannot produce so we get them from the foods we eat. The research shows that the essential amino acids including ‘methionine’ and ‘tryptophan’ are abnormally metabolized due to the loss of key enzymes in the cancerous cells.
This study is helping the researchers explore new ways to treat this type of tumor and slow its progression. One of the study’s authors suggests that by restricting intake of methionine and tryptophan, the growth of the tumor may be slowed and treatment outcomes improved. Foods rich in these two amino acids include beef, pork, chicken, turkey, lamb, fish, eggs, nuts, soybeans and cheese.
Click here to read the study abstract in Clinical Cancer Research.
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