The breakthrough treatment uses nutrient-based nanomedicine to reactivate dormant metabolic pathways in cancer cells, effectively halting melanoma growth. This new method could transform cancer treatment by combining tyrosine nanomicelles with laser therapy to rapidly eradicate cancer and prevent its recurrence.
Reactivating dormant metabolic pathways in cancer cells can help fight cancer.
An international team of researchers has developed a new method for treating cancer by using nutrients to reactivate dormant metabolic pathways in cancer cells. The team took advantage of widely available aminos acidtyrosine, delivered in the form of nanomedicine, to alter the metabolism of melanoma, a severe form of skin cancer, thereby inhibiting cancer growth.
Australia has the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world. This new approach could be combined with current therapies to better treat melanoma. The technique also has the potential to treat other types of cancer. The study was led by Professor Wenbo Bu of Fudan University and Professor Dayong Jin of the University of Technology Sydney and was recently published in the prestigious journalNature Nanotechnology.
Development of tyrosine nanomicelles
Tyrosine has limited bioavailability in living organisms. But the researchers used a new nanotechnology technique to package it in tiny particles called nanomicelles, which are attracted to cancer cell membranes and break down easily, increasing absorption. The research team then tested the innovative treatment on mice and human melanoma cells in the laboratory and found that the tyrosine nanomicelles reactivated dormant metabolic pathways, triggered melanin synthesis and inhibited tumor growth.
“Uncontrolled rapid growth is a key characteristic that distinguishes cancer cells from normal cells. In cancer cells, some metabolic pathways are overactivated and others are suppressed to create the environment necessary for rapid spread,” said Professor Jin.
“While several metabolism-based cancer drugs have previously been developed, such as aromatase inhibitors to prevent estrogen synthesis in breast cancer and HK2 inhibitors to target glycolysis in various cancers, these work by suppressing the over-activation of metabolic pathways,” he said.
“Our research shows for the first time that cancer can be stopped by reactivating metabolic pathways that are dormant. And this can be done with simple nutrients such as amino acidssugars and vitamins that are safe, readily available and well tolerated,” said Professor Bu.
Improvements in mechanisms and treatments
Different types of cancer will respond to different nutrients. Melanoma cells develop from melanocytes – skin cells that produce melanin. Tyrosine is required for melanin production and can stimulate melanin production, hence its effectiveness in melanoma. The reactivation of melanin synthesis forces the melanoma cell to reduce glycolysis, the process of converting sugar into energy, which is thought to be the mechanism of its anti-cancer effect.
Melanoma cells are also susceptible to heat stress. The researchers found that by combining tyrosine nanomicelle treatment with near-infrared laser treatment, they were able to eradicate melanoma in mice after six days, and it did not recur during the study period. The findings suggest a promising new frontier in the use of nanomedicine to treat cancer.
Reference: “Nutrient Delivery and Reactivation Therapy for Melanoma” by Yang Chen, Chaochao Wang, Yelin Wu, Ya Wang, Yun Meng, Fan Wu, Huilin Zhang, Yuen Yee Cheng, Xingwu Jiang, Jieyun Shi, Huiyan Li, Peiran Zhao, Jinfeng Wu, Bin Zheng, Dayong Jin and Wenbo Bu, 11 June 2024, Nature Nanotechnology.
DOI: 10.1038/s41565-024-01690-6