Scientists have discovered a surprising new role for creatine, a supplement commonly used by athletes to enhance strength and performance. This cheap and widely available supplement could potentially revolutionize cancer treatment, according to a study conducted by researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
The study, published in the journal iScience, found that creatine not only boosts athletic performance but also plays a crucial role in the immune system's fight against cancer. Specifically, creatine energizes and activates dendritic cells, a type of immune cell that captures tumor fragments and guides killer T-cells to attack cancer cells.
This discovery is significant because most immunotherapies focus on targeting killer T-cells, but only about half of patients respond to these treatments. By enhancing the function of dendritic cells, creatine may improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy, making it a promising supplement to support the immune response in cancer patients.
Lili Yang, the senior author of the study and a professor of microbiology, immunology, and molecular genetics at UCLA, expressed her excitement about the findings. She stated, 'Immunotherapy has shown remarkable promise, but it only works for a subset of patients. What this study shows is that creatine doesn't just help the T cells fighting cancer; it also energizes the entire infrastructure that supports and guides them. That makes creatine a promising supplement to holistically support the immune response that modern immunotherapies depend on.'
The research involved testing daily injections of creatine in mouse models of melanoma. The results were impressive, as creatine not only slowed tumor growth but also increased the activity of dendritic cells within the tumors. These treated dendritic cells released higher levels of chemical signals, attracting more immune cells to the tumor site.
The scientists drew a parallel between creatine's role and that of a rechargeable battery, enabling dendritic cells to store and release energy as needed, even in the face of nutrient competition from rapidly growing tumor cells. This discovery opens up new possibilities for using creatine as a complementary therapy to enhance the immune response in cancer patients.
James Elsten-Brown, a co-first author and graduate student in Prof. Yang's lab, highlighted the potential of creatine as a dual-purpose tool. He suggested that creatine could be used as a supplement to boost the immune response in patients already undergoing immunotherapy and as a means to improve the quality of dendritic cell-based vaccines before administration.
However, the researchers caution that while creatine is considered safe and has been used for decades, patients undergoing cancer treatment should consult their doctors before adding any new supplement to their regimen. The study was conducted in cells and mice, and further research is needed to determine the optimal dosage and long-term effects of creatine supplementation in cancer patients.
In conclusion, this study reveals a novel and exciting application of creatine, offering a potential new strategy to strengthen the immune system's anti-cancer response. As scientists continue to explore the potential of this cheap and accessible supplement, it may open up new avenues for cancer treatment and improve outcomes for patients worldwide.
