Korean scientists claim energy source of cancer cells are fatty acids

Korean researchers have reportedly discovered that fatty acids are the primary energy source for cancer cells. The study, which was published in the latest issue of the International Journal (Cancer), was confirmed by the NCC (National Cancer Center) research team and was led by Professor Kim Soo-yeol, cited sources with relevant information.

Reportedly, the team derived the results through cell experiments under conditions like those in a human body. Researchers deduced that although the primary energy source of normal cells is glucose, cancer cells depend on the oxidation of fatty acids and take up additional oxygen in order to grow faster than normal cells.

It is to be noted that until now it was presumed that cancer cells metabolize glucose through glycolysis, a process that produces lactic acid from glucose. The findings were first discovered by a German physiologist Otto Warburg, who had earned a Nobel Prize in medicine in the year 1931.

In this context, Professor Kim’s team was reported stating that Warburg’s experiment provided incorrect information as the tests were conducted with glucose as the only culture medium.

If sources are to be believed, the research, which involved an experimental animal mode of pancreatic cancer, suggested that blocking fatty acids and replacing them with carbohydrates reduced the incidence of cancer by 4 times.

Professor Kim also mentioned in a statement that this process is a potential substitute for chemotherapy. He further added that the research will help in understanding why obesity increases the mortality of cancers.

In other news, as per a study conducted by the UKCCMP (UK Coronavirus Cancer Monitoring Project), blood cancer patients are more susceptible to the effects of COVID-19 pandemic. The study stated that the patients have a 57% higher risk of acquiring severe diseases if infected by Coronavirus.

Source credits: https://www.hankyung.com/it/article/202009147300i