Lowering Lipid Levels May Slow Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Growth

Research from the Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah has revealed that triple-negative breast cancer cells are significantly reliant on lipids, or fats, for their growth. The study indicates that reducing lipid levels can slow tumor progression in animal models, suggesting potential therapeutic implications for managing this aggressive cancer type.

Published in the journal Cancer & Metabolism, the study highlights that high lipid levels, often seen in individuals with obesity, may contribute to faster tumor growth. By lowering fat levels, researchers observed a marked reduction in tumor growth rates among laboratory mice. This discovery raises important considerations regarding dietary habits, particularly the risks associated with high-fat diets for individuals at risk for breast cancer.

Dr. Keren Hilgendorf, an investigator at the Huntsman Cancer Institute, emphasized the previously underestimated role of lipids in obesity-related cancers. “Our study shows that breast cancer cells are really addicted to lipids,” she noted, adding that the excess of these molecules in obesity might explain the more aggressive nature of these cancers.

The research focused on hyperlipidemia, a condition characterized by elevated lipid levels in the bloodstream. Utilizing preclinical mouse models, the team demonstrated that even in the absence of other obesity indicators, such as high blood sugar and insulin levels, an abundance of lipids alone led to accelerated tumor growth.

Understanding the Role of Lipids in Cancer

Dr. Amandine Chaix, a co-author of the study, explained how lipids function as essential building blocks for cells. “If a cell receives a signal to divide and there are plenty of lipids available, tumors can grow much more easily,” she stated. When lipid levels were reduced in the mice, tumor growth slowed significantly, even in cases where glucose or insulin levels were elevated.

The findings suggest that targeting lipid metabolism could represent a new avenue for treatment. According to co-author Dr. Greg Ducker, these results could influence how breast cancer patients approach dietary management. “If you have high cholesterol or triglyceride levels, lowering lipids — either through medication or a supervised diet plan — could help slow cancer growth,” he advised. However, he cautioned that diets high in fats, such as the ketogenic diet, may inadvertently fuel tumor growth.

The researchers acknowledge that their findings are based on animal models and that further studies in human populations are necessary to validate their results. Nonetheless, the research underscores the critical interplay between metabolic health and cancer progression.

Future Directions and Potential Treatments

The research team plans to investigate whether lipid-lowering drugs could enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy. They also aim to explore whether similar mechanisms are involved in other obesity-related cancers, such as ovarian and colorectal cancers. “This study opens the door to new strategies that target the metabolic environment of cancer, not just the tumor itself,” Dr. Hilgendorf remarked.

This study was supported by the National Cancer Institute and the Huntsman Cancer Foundation through multiple NIH/NCI grants, with doctoral student Renan Vieira serving as the first author. As this research progresses, it may lead to innovative approaches in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer, particularly for those with obesity-related risks.