A recent study by researchers at IRB Barcelona has identified a fatty acid found in palm oil, called palmitic acid, as a significant promoter of cancer metastasis in oral cancer and melanoma. Unlike palmitic acid, other fatty acids such as oleic acid and linoleic acid—found in healthy foods like olive oil and flaxseeds—did not show the same effect.
Metastasis, the spread of cancer from its original site to other parts of the body, is the leading cause of death among cancer patients. Despite advancements in treatment, metastatic cancer often cannot be cured, making understanding its causes and mechanisms crucial.
Fatty acids, the building blocks of fats in our bodies and diets, are known to fuel cancer metastasis. This study found that supplementing mice diets with palmitic acid not only encouraged metastasis but also caused long-lasting effects on the cancer cells’ genetic makeup.
Remarkably, cancer cells exposed to palmitic acid for even a short period continued to exhibit highly metastatic behavior, even after the fatty acid was removed from the diet.
The researchers traced this phenomenon to epigenetic changes—modifications in how genes function without altering their sequence.
These changes enhanced the ability of metastatic cancer cells to form a supportive neural network around the tumor. This network helped cancer cells communicate with their environment and spread more effectively.
Importantly, the study also identified a potential way to block this process. The team is now developing therapies and planning clinical trials aimed at preventing metastasis in various cancer types.
While these findings are promising, the researchers caution that it is still too early to recommend specific dietary changes for patients with metastatic cancer.
The study raises the possibility that reducing palmitic acid intake could slow metastasis. However, more research is needed to confirm whether dietary adjustments can effectively influence cancer progression in humans.
This research, led by Professor Salvador Aznar-Benitah and published in Nature, provides crucial insights into how diet influences cancer metastasis. It also offers hope for future treatments that could stop the spread of cancer by targeting the mechanisms driven by fatty acids.
For now, patients should consult with their healthcare providers for personalized dietary advice while further studies continue to explore these findings.
If you care about cancer, please read studies that low-carb diet could increase overall cancer risk, and new way to increase the longevity of cancer survivors.
For more information about cancer, please see recent studies about how to fight cancer with these anti-cancer superfoods, and results showing daily vitamin D3 supplementation may reduce cancer death risk.
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