A recent study conducted by scientists at the Advanced Center for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC) in Mumbai, India, has unveiled a potentially groundbreaking approach to treating glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer. The research, published in the journal BJC Reports in September 2023, demonstrates that a combination of two widely available supplements, resveratrol and copper, can significantly impair tumor growth without any reported side effects.
Led by Dr. Indraneel Mittra, a researcher and professor at ACTREC, the study involved 20 glioblastoma patients who were already scheduled for brain surgery. The patients received a tablet containing resveratrol and copper four times a day for approximately 12 days prior to their operations. In contrast, a control group of 10 patients did not receive any supplements. During surgery, the researchers collected tumor tissue from all participants, allowing for a direct comparison between treated and untreated tumors.
The results were striking. The study found that tumor growth activity decreased by about 33%, cancer biomarkers dropped by 57%, immune-checkpoint signals fell by 41%, and markers associated with cancer stem cells reduced by 56%. Notably, there was a near-complete eradication of cell-free chromatin particles, which are DNA fragments released by dying cancer cells known to exacerbate tumor behavior.
Dr. Mittra expressed optimism regarding the findings, stating, “These results suggest that a simple, inexpensive, and non-toxic nutraceutical tablet potentially has the power to heal glioblastoma.” He emphasized a shift in perspective, suggesting that rather than focusing solely on eradicating cancer cells, there may be merit in exploring methods to heal tumors.
Understanding the Mechanism
The combination of resveratrol and copper appears to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment. Copper facilitates resveratrol’s ability to generate reactive molecules that break down harmful DNA debris associated with inflammation in cancer cells. Resveratrol, a polyphenol prominently found in red grapes and berries, has shown antioxidant properties in preliminary studies.
Despite these promising results, the researchers acknowledged the study’s limitations. With only 20 participants and a focus on short-term changes, it remains unclear whether these effects lead to improved long-term outcomes. The appearance of the tumors did not change, and the interaction of these supplements with standard cancer treatments is still uncertain. Dr. Mittra cautioned that larger and more rigorously controlled trials are necessary to assess the safety and efficacy of resveratrol and copper over extended periods.
Caution Advised for Patients
The Tata Memorial Center, which oversees ACTREC, released a statement urging caution regarding the early findings on resveratrol and copper. It emphasized that these supplements should not replace established cancer treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy, which have been proven to provide significant benefits for patients.
Moreover, the American Cancer Society advises that while dietary supplements are widely available, they can pose risks for cancer patients and should only be used under medical supervision. Research has indicated that these supplements may not have proven anti-cancer effects and could potentially disrupt diagnostic testing or interact negatively with conventional treatments.
Dr. Mittra has been investigating this area of research for over a decade, and while the findings are promising, he insists that the public should not begin self-medicating based on preliminary results. “Our findings are based on a relatively small number of patients, which needs replication in larger patient cohorts,” he stated.
As this field of research progresses, it may pave the way for innovative approaches to cancer treatment that prioritize healing alongside traditional methods. The implications of this study may reshape the future of glioblastoma treatment, but thorough investigation and validation remain critical before any widespread adoption.
