Antioxidants found to increase malignant melanoma development
Monday October 12th, 2015
Antioxidants can double the rate of melanoma metastasis in mice, adding further weight to the belief that the molecules can increase the development of some cancers, according to new findings.
The
results from a new study by researchers at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University
of Gothenburg, Sweden, has led to calls that people with cancer or an
elevated risk of developing the disease should avoid nutritional supplements
that contain antioxidants.
In the latest edition of Science Translational Medicine, Professor Martin Bergö said that his team found that antioxidants double the rate of metastasis in malignant melanoma, reaffirming previous studies about antioxidants hastening the progression of lung cancer.
“As opposed to the lung cancer studies, the primary melanoma tumour was not affected,” said Prof Bergö.
“But the antioxidant boosted the ability of the tumour cells to metastasize, an even more serious problem because metastasis is the cause of death in the case of melanoma. The primary tumour is not dangerous per se and is usually removed.”
Studies on cell cultures from patients with malignant melanoma confirmed the new results, which has led Prof Bergö to conclude that while antioxidants protect healthy cells from free radicals, they may also protect tumours.
“Previous research at Sahlgrenska Academy has indicated that cancer patients are particularly prone to take supplements containing antioxidants,” Prof Bergö said.
“Our current research combined with information from large clinical trials with antioxidants suggests that people who have been recently diagnosed with cancer should avoid such supplements.”
The role of antioxidants is particularly relevant to melanoma because its cells are sensitive to free radicals.
“Skin and suntan lotions sometimes contain beta carotene or vitamin E, both of which could potentially affect malignant melanoma cells in the same way as antioxidants in nutritional supplements,” continued Prof Bergö.
“We are testing whether antioxidants applied directly to malignant melanoma cells in mice hasten the progression of cancer in the same way as their dietary counterparts.”
Le Gal K, Ibrahim M et al. Antioxidants Can increase Melanoma Metastasis in Mice. Science Translational Medicine 7 October 2015; doi: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aad3740
Tags: Alternative Therapy | Cancer | Dermatology | Europe
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