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GAINESVILLE, FL – A groundbreaking study from researchers at the University of Florida Health, in collaboration with the University of Kentucky’s Markey Cancer Center, suggests a significant link between a Western diet and increased lung cancer growth. The research, published in the journal Nature Metabolism, indicates that high levels of glycogen, a storage molecule derived from glucose, may fuel the growth of lung adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer.
Traditionally, lung cancer has not been considered a diet-related disease, unlike cancers of the liver or pancreas. However, this new research challenges that perception. “Lung cancer has not traditionally been thought of as a dietary-related disease,” said Ramon Sun, Ph.D., an associate professor and director of the UF Center for Advanced Spatial Biomolecule Research. “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.”
The study utilized a high-content spatial metabolomics platform developed by Sun, allowing researchers to visualize molecular patterns and interactions with unprecedented detail. The team focused on glycogen accumulation, drawing on 20 years of research on Lafora disease, a rare neurological disorder characterized by excessive glycogen buildup.
Through lab and computer models, the researchers demonstrated that in lung cancer, glycogen acts as an “oncogenic metabolite,” essentially a fuel source for cancer cells. When mice were fed a high-fat, high-fructose Western diet, which increased glycogen levels, their lung tumors grew larger. Conversely, when glycogen levels were reduced, tumor growth slowed.
“The more glycogen in the cancer cells, the bigger and worse the tumor growth,” researchers stated. They found that glycogen is an “exceptionally good predictor” of tumor growth and mortality in lung cancer patients.
The study highlights the potential for dietary interventions in lung cancer prevention and treatment. “In the long term, our approach to cancer prevention should mirror the success of the anti-smoking campaign—placing greater emphasis on public awareness and policy-driven strategies that promote healthier dietary choices as a fundamental component of disease prevention,” Sun explained.
Furthermore, the researchers noted that existing drugs targeting glycogen levels, initially developed for Lafora disease, could offer potential treatment options for lung cancer.
“Prioritizing a nutrient-rich diet, maintaining an active lifestyle and minimizing alcohol intake are foundational strategies for long-term health,” said study collaborator Matthew Gentry, Ph.D. “Fostering better dietary habits can be a powerful tool in lung cancer prevention.”
The researchers encourage further studies to confirm these findings and explore the full implications of diet on lung cancer development.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the provided research and should not be taken as medical advice. Individuals with concerns about lung cancer or their diet should consult with a healthcare professional. Further research is needed to fully understand the link between diet and lung cancer. This research shows correlation, and does not yet prove causation.
