Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine may have identified a novel strategy to combat group 3 medulloblastoma, a particularly aggressive and difficult-to-treat form of childhood brain cancer. In experiments with mice, blocking the way tumor cells process fructose reduced cancer growth, according to a study published in Acta Neuropathologica Communications.
The study, conducted at the Kimmel Cancer Center, focused on the metabolic pathways that fuel medulloblastoma cells. Unlike normal cells, cancer cells often rely on alternative energy sources, including fructose. By disrupting this metabolic process, the researchers were able to slow the progression of the disease in animal models.
Group 3 medulloblastoma accounts for about 25% of all medulloblastoma cases and has the worst prognosis among the four molecular subtypes. Current treatments, including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, often cause long-term side effects in young patients, and survival rates remain low for those with metastatic disease.
“These findings suggest a new therapeutic avenue that could potentially improve outcomes for children with this devastating disease,” said the lead researcher. The team is now exploring ways to translate these findings into clinical trials.
The discovery comes amid growing interest in targeting cancer metabolism. For-profit companies like CNS Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: CNSP) are also developing next-generation treatments for glioblastoma and other brain cancers, highlighting the broader push toward innovative therapies.
The Johns Hopkins team plans to investigate how blocking fructose metabolism affects other cancer types and whether combining this approach with existing therapies could enhance efficacy. The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health and other organizations.
This research underscores the potential of metabolic interventions in oncology and offers hope for families affected by pediatric brain tumors.
