Scientists have discovered that the Brazilian camu-camu berry, already known for its health benefits in fighting obesity and diabetes, may also help treat cancer.
Researchers found that a natural compound from the fruit, called castalagin, could improve the body’s response to immunotherapy—a type of treatment that helps the immune system fight cancer.
The study, published in Cancer Discovery and led by Bertrand Routy from Université de Montréal, suggests that castalagin works by changing the gut microbiome, the collection of bacteria and other microbes in the digestive system.
By acting as a prebiotic (a substance that promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria), castalagin helps strengthen the immune system’s ability to attack cancer cells. This effect is especially important for patients whose cancers are resistant to immunotherapy.
Immunotherapy, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), has revolutionized the treatment of cancers like melanoma and lung cancer by activating the body’s own immune system to destroy cancer cells.
However, only a small number of patients respond well to this treatment in the long term. Scientists have been searching for ways to improve its effectiveness, and modifying the gut microbiome has emerged as a promising strategy.
In their study, the research team tested castalagin on mice and found that when taken orally, the compound enhanced the immune system’s response to cancer.
Encouraged by these results, they are now preparing to test the compound in human patients. The first clinical trial will soon begin, recruiting 45 patients with lung cancer or melanoma.
This research opens the door for new, natural ways to boost cancer treatment. By combining castalagin with immunotherapy, scientists hope to improve outcomes for cancer patients who currently do not benefit from existing treatments. If successful, this could mark a major breakthrough in cancer care.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies about Vitamin D and type 2 diabetes, and to people with diabetes, some fruits are better than others.
For more health information, please see recent studies that low calorie diets may help reverse diabetes, and 5 vitamins that may prevent complication in diabetes.
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