Researchers from the University of Florida Health, in collaboration with the University of Kentucky’s Markey Cancer Center, have uncovered evidence suggesting that dietary choices may significantly influence the risk of developing lung cancer. The study, funded by multiple grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), highlights an overlooked connection between diet and lung cancer, which has traditionally been disregarded diet-related.

"While the connection between diet and cancers like liver or pancreatic cancer has been well-established, lung cancer hasn't typically been associated with dietary habits," explained Dr. Ramon Sun, Associate Professor and Director at the UF Center for Advanced Spatial Biomolecule Research. “Our findings suggest that this perspective might need to change.”

Using a specialized high-content spatial metabolomics platform developed by Dr. Sun in 2020, the researchers explored molecular interactions within lung adenocarcinoma—a subtype that represents approximately 40% of lung cancer cases globally. Their approach was inspired by earlier studies on Lafora disease, a rare neurological disorder characterized by abnormal glycogen accumulation.

The research team observed a significant correlation between glycogen—a glucose-based storage molecule—and lung cancer progression. Elevated glycogen levels appeared to act as an oncogenic metabolite, promoting tumor growth. In experiments involving laboratory mice fed a high-fat, high-fructose Western diet, increased glycogen levels correlated with accelerated tumor growth. Conversely, reducing glycogen levels effectively slowed the cancer’s progression.

"Our results clearly illustrate that glycogen levels are exceptionally predictive of tumor growth and patient outcomes," said Dr. Sun. He suggests that dietary habits directly impact glycogen accumulation, thereby influencing cancer severity. The researchers emphasized the broader implications of their findings, advocating that nutritional awareness and policy-driven dietary strategies could become crucial elements in cancer prevention, much like anti-smoking campaigns.

Dr. Matthew Gentry, Professor and Chair of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at UF College of Medicine, noted that existing medications designed to regulate glycogen—initially developed for Lafora disease—could potentially offer new therapeutic avenues for lung cancer treatment.

"Adopting a nutrient-rich diet, staying physically active, and minimizing alcohol intake remain fundamental strategies for long-term health," Dr. Gentry concluded. "Improving dietary habits could serve as a powerful preventive measure against lung cancer."

The study was published through collaborative efforts between the UF Health Cancer Center and the Markey Cancer Center.