Artificial sweetener consumption linked to less effective cancer treatment
When the researchers had 132 patients with advanced melanoma or non-small cell lung cancer answer detailed diet history questionnaires, they found that high consumption of sucralose was linked with lower effectiveness of immunotherapies across a range of cancer types, stages and treatment methods.
In experiments with mice, the researchers found that sucralose shifts the composition of microbes in the intestines, increasing bacterial species that degrade arginine, an amino acid that is essential for key immune cells called T cells.
"When arginine levels were depleted due to sucralose-driven shifts in the microbiome, T cells couldn't function properly," study leader Abby Overacre of the University of Pittsburgh said in a statement. "As a result, immunotherapy wasn't as effective in mice that were fed sucralose."
Laying the groundwork for a solution to the problem, the same researchers also found in the mice that supplements that boosted levels of arginine mitigated the negative effects of sucralose on immunotherapy, an approach they now hope to test in humans.
"It's easy to say, 'Stop drinking diet soda,' but when patients are being treated for cancer, they are already dealing with enough, so asking them to drastically alter their diet may not be realistic," Overacre said.
"That's why it's so exciting that arginine supplementation could be a simple approach to counteract the negative effects of sucralose on immunotherapy."
LOW-GRADE IS NOT THE SAME AS LOW-RISK IN PROSTATE CANCER
A low-grade prostate tumor is not necessarily low-risk, new research suggests.
Biopsy results showing low-grade prostate cancers can sometimes lead to underestimation of disease risk and omission of surgery or radiation in patients who might benefit from such treatments, researchers warned in JAMA Oncology.
Among roughly 117,000 men in their study with prostate biopsy results indicating a Grade Group 1, or GG1, tumor - the slowest-growing kind - one in six had intermediate- or high-risk cancer when other factors such as prostate-specific antigen levels in the blood and tumor sizes were also considered, according to the report.
Such higher risk cancers are often treated with radiation therapy or removal of the prostate, the researchers noted.
"We don't want to miss aggressive cancers that initially present as Grade Group 1 on biopsy," study coauthor Dr. Bashir Al Hussein of Weill Cornell Medicine said in a statement. "Such underestimation of risk could lead to undertreatment and poor outcomes."
Current guidelines that advise regular monitoring - rather than treatment - for men with low-grade prostate tumors were based on studies that examined entire prostate glands after removal from patients.
Biopsies test only small areas of the prostate, so they can miss more advanced or aggressive cancer cells, providing an incomplete picture, the researchers said.
Some cancer experts have been suggesting recently that GG1 tumors are so slow-growing that they shouldn't even be considered malignant. The new study results could help inform those discussions, the researchers said.
"There is a misunderstanding that low grade and low risk are the same," study coauthor Dr. Jonathan Shoag of Case Western Reserve University said in a statement. "Here, we show clearly that they are not." (To receive the full newsletter in your inbox for free sign up here)
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Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
Artificial sweetener consumption linked to less effective cancer treatment
London: In patients with melanoma or non-small cell lung cancer, consuming high levels of the artificial sweetener sucralose contributes to diminished responses to immunotherapy and poorer survival, researchers reported in Cancer Discovery. When the researchers had 132 patients with advanced melanoma or non-small cell lung cancer answer detailed diet history questionnaires, they found that high consumption of sucralose was linked with lower effectiveness of immunotherapies across a range of cancer types, stages and treatment methods. In experiments with mice, the researchers found that sucralose shifts the composition of microbes in the intestines, increasing bacterial species that degrade arginine, an amino acid that is essential for key immune cells called T cells. "When arginine levels were depleted due to sucralose-driven shifts in the microbiome, T cells couldn't function properly," study leader Abby Overacre of the University of Pittsburgh said in a statement. "As a result, immunotherapy wasn't as effective in mice that were fed sucralose." Laying the groundwork for a solution to the problem, the same researchers also found in the mice that supplements that boosted levels of arginine mitigated the negative effects of sucralose on immunotherapy, an approach they now hope to test in humans. "It's easy to say, 'Stop drinking diet soda,' but when patients are being treated for cancer, they are already dealing with enough, so asking them to drastically alter their diet may not be realistic," Overacre said. "That's why it's so exciting that arginine supplementation could be a simple approach to counteract the negative effects of sucralose on immunotherapy." LOW-GRADE IS NOT THE SAME AS LOW-RISK IN PROSTATE CANCER A low-grade prostate tumor is not necessarily low-risk, new research suggests. Biopsy results showing low-grade prostate cancers can sometimes lead to underestimation of disease risk and omission of surgery or radiation in patients who might benefit from such treatments, researchers warned in JAMA Oncology. Among roughly 117,000 men in their study with prostate biopsy results indicating a Grade Group 1, or GG1, tumor - the slowest-growing kind - one in six had intermediate- or high-risk cancer when other factors such as prostate-specific antigen levels in the blood and tumor sizes were also considered, according to the report. Such higher risk cancers are often treated with radiation therapy or removal of the prostate, the researchers noted. "We don't want to miss aggressive cancers that initially present as Grade Group 1 on biopsy," study coauthor Dr. Bashir Al Hussein of Weill Cornell Medicine said in a statement. "Such underestimation of risk could lead to undertreatment and poor outcomes." Current guidelines that advise regular monitoring - rather than treatment - for men with low-grade prostate tumors were based on studies that examined entire prostate glands after removal from patients. Biopsies test only small areas of the prostate, so they can miss more advanced or aggressive cancer cells, providing an incomplete picture, the researchers said. Some cancer experts have been suggesting recently that GG1 tumors are so slow-growing that they shouldn't even be considered malignant. The new study results could help inform those discussions, the researchers said. "There is a misunderstanding that low grade and low risk are the same," study coauthor Dr. Jonathan Shoag of Case Western Reserve University said in a statement. "Here, we show clearly that they are not." (To receive the full newsletter in your inbox for free sign up here)
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First Post
6 days ago
- First Post
Not just smokers: Doctors flag new risk factors for throat cancer in India
An increasing number of throat cancer cases are being diagnosed among non-smokers in India, particularly men under 60. Experts link this rise to HPV infections, lifestyle changes and environmental exposures. Read here read more Throat cancer, once predominantly associated with tobacco and smoking is increasingly affecting non-smokers in India, particularly men under the age of 60. Medical experts are now sounding the alarm over a dramatic epidemiological shift, citing the human papillomavirus (HPV) as a key driver of this growing trend. 'Traditionally, oropharyngeal cancers in India were largely seen in smokers and tobacco chewers. But now, a growing number of patients, especially men in their 50s—are being diagnosed without any history of smoking,' said Dr Mandeep Singh Malhotra, Director of Surgical Oncology at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Dr Malhotra highlighted that areas most commonly affected include the tonsils, base of the tongue, posterior pharyngeal wall and tissues above the voice box. HPV i****nfection the d****riving f****orce The primary factor behind this shift, he said, is the rising incidence of HPV infections which are closely linked to changes in sexual behaviour. 'Increased prevalence of oral sex compared to previous generations has led to higher exposure to HPV, a known carcinogen for the oropharynx,' Dr Malhotra said. A 2023 study published in The Lancet Regional Health – Southeast Asia supports this, reporting that HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancers are on the rise in India, echoing trends observed in Western countries over the past two decades. Other contributing factors include excessive alcohol consumption, poor oral hygiene, a diet low in antioxidants, vegetables and environmental exposure to petrochemicals, wood dust and industrial pollution. Distinct b****iology and b****etter p****rognosis HPV-related throat cancers are biologically different from those caused by tobacco, says Dr. Malhotra. 'They tend to respond much better to chemotherapy and have a higher cure rate, even though they can present at more advanced stages with larger neck nodes. In contrast, cancers linked to smoking and alcohol are often more aggressive and harder to treat.' A 2023 meta-analysis published in JAMA Oncology found that five-year survival rates for HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer were above 80%, significantly better than the 50-60% rates seen in HPV-negative cases. Breakthroughs in treatment: TORS and bio-Selection Treatment advancements such as Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS) have revolutionised outcomes, particularly for early-stage patients. 'TORS is minimally invasive, leaves no external scars or bone cuts, and enables faster recovery,' he added. For advanced cases, oncologists are now adopting a 'bio-selection' approach. Patients first receive 2–3 cycles of chemotherapy to assess tumour shrinkage. If the tumour reduces by 50–80%, less invasive options like TORS or radiation can be pursued. If not, a radical surgery followed by radiation becomes necessary. 'This strategy allows us to personalise treatment based on tumour biology rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, ultimately reducing complications and improving survival outcomes,' said Dr Malhotra. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), India sees over 1.3 lakh new cases of head and neck cancers annually, with oropharyngeal cancer forming a significant portion. Globally, WHO estimates that HPV is responsible for up to 70% of oropharyngeal cancers in developed countries, a number now reflecting similar patterns in India. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As the medical community adapts to these evolving patterns, awareness and early detection remain key. 'Vaccination against HPV, improved oral hygiene and safe sexual practices are preventive strategies that must be prioritised,' Dr Malhotra said.
Time of India
21-07-2025
- Time of India
These 4 habits are key to heart health in middle-aged women, study reveals
As women enter their late 40s and early 50s, the transition through menopause brings more than just the end of menstrual cycles. It triggers a cascade of physiological changes that significantly impact cardiovascular health. From increased belly fat and hormonal fluctuations to higher risks of inflammation, metabolic syndrome, and vascular stiffening, this phase of life poses a critical turning point for heart health. A new study from the University of Pittsburgh, cited by the New York Post, sheds light on the most impactful habits that can help reduce cardiovascular risk. Analyzing data from nearly 3,000 women, researchers found that four specific behaviors — sleep, blood pressure, blood glucose, and smoking — had the greatest long-term impact on heart disease outcomes. 4 habits every woman should track to protect her heart 1. Sleep quality: a nightly reset for your heart Poor sleep isn't just tiring, it can be dangerous for your heart. According to the New York Post, the study emphasized that sleep disruptions during menopause are common and can worsen cardiovascular markers. Hormonal shifts affect circadian rhythms, leading to insomnia and fragmented rest. This, in turn, increases cortisol levels and insulin resistance, both of which contribute to heart disease. The American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8 (LE8) includes sleep as a vital metric for this reason. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Park Crescent at Alembic City, Vadodara – Luxury Homes from ₹2.20 Cr* Onwards Alembic City West Learn More Undo Researchers found that better sleep directly correlated with healthier blood pressure and glucose levels, two other key metrics for heart protection. 'Sleep can suffer with the symptoms of menopause,' said study co-author Samar R. El Khoudary, as quoted in Medical News Today. 'This has implications for heart health we can't ignore.' 2. Blood pressure: the silent strain on your arteries As estrogen declines during menopause, women become more vulnerable to elevated blood pressure. The New York Post reported that the study found significant arterial thickening and stiffness in women entering their 50s, a change often undetected until damage is already underway. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is known as the "silent killer" because it typically shows no symptoms until it's too late. Yet, it's one of the most modifiable risk factors. Lifestyle changes like reducing salt, managing stress, and exercising regularly can help control it. 'There's a change in vascular health, with increasing thickness and stiffness in the carotid artery,' El Khoudary noted. 3. Blood glucose: the hidden predictor of heart risk Even without a diabetes diagnosis, elevated blood sugar levels in middle age are a serious warning sign. According to the study referenced by the New York Post, blood glucose control was among the strongest indicators of future cardiovascular trouble in menopausal women. Insulin resistance tends to rise during this period due to hormonal and metabolic shifts, increasing the likelihood of plaque buildup in the arteries. Experts advise limiting processed sugar, maintaining a balanced diet rich in fiber and healthy fats, and staying active to manage blood glucose levels effectively. Regular screening is also vital, as many cases of prediabetes go unnoticed until complications arise. 4. Smoking: the most avoidable threat to the heart Despite decades of public health warnings, tobacco use remains one of the most damaging and preventable contributors to heart disease. The New York Post noted that smoking was one of the four top predictors of heart problems later in life, especially in postmenopausal women. Nicotine and carbon monoxide not only increase heart rate and blood pressure but also damage the lining of blood vessels, accelerating atherosclerosis. The benefits of quitting are immediate and profound. Just one year after quitting, the risk of coronary heart disease drops by 50 percent. Combined with improvements in sleep, blood sugar, and blood pressure, stopping smoking creates a compounding protective effect for the cardiovascular system. A call to action: know your numbers, take control 'Nearly 45 percent of women over 20 are living with some form of cardiovascular disease,' cardiologist Dr. Stacey Rosen told Fox News Digital, underscoring the need for early and proactive care. Yet, the good news is that most heart disease is preventable through informed lifestyle choices. Doctors recommend regular monitoring of cholesterol, weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, and blood sugar, all modifiable factors. The New York Post emphasizes the value of following the LE8 framework, which includes maintaining a healthy diet, exercising 150 minutes per week, and avoiding tobacco use. Your midlife years are not just about managing symptoms. They are a crucial window to strengthen your heart for the decades ahead.
