How stored sugar promotes lung cancer growth

Lung cancer tumours have been discovered to “feed” off sugar, according to a new study investigating the connection between diet and lung cancer.

Researchers have labelled glycogen, a molecule that stores a type of sugar known as glucose, as a "giant lollipop for cancer's sweet tooth."

American scientists reported that the more glycogen found in cancer cells, the larger and worse the tumour growth.

Lung tumours grew when scientists fed mice a "Western diet" high in fat and fructose, a fruit sugar. High-fructose corn syrup is a common sweetener in processed foods and drinks.

Tumour growth was noticed to be decreased when glycogen levels fell.

According to Surrey Live, the researchers summarised their findings, stating: "The typical Western diet increases glycogen levels and glycogen feeds lung cancer tumours by providing their building blocks for growth."

Glycogen is an "exceptionally good predictor" of tumour growth and death in lung cancer patients, said Ramon Sun, PhD, an associate professor and director of the University of Florida Center for Advanced Spatial Biomolecule Research.

However, the impact of diet on lung cancer is not as well-studied as other cancers of the body.

Prof Sun stated: "Lung cancer has not traditionally been thought of as a dietary-related disease. Diseases like pancreatic cancer or liver cancer, yes. However, when it comes to lung cancer, the idea that diet could play a role is rarely discussed."