Glioblastoma is the most common and aggressive form of brain cancer, accounting for approximately 48% of all primary malignant brain tumors. Much of its strength lies in its ability to connect and spread through the brain. Like roots of a weed, glioblastoma extends deep into the surrounding tissue, making it difficult to fully remove without damaging brain structures.
These roots, known as tumor microtubes (TMs), are thin structures that allow cancer cells to connect and form a network, sharing resources and signals that help cells grow. Interestingly, new research shows that GBM cells interact with astrocytes, which make up 50% of cells in the brain, recruiting and turning them into tumor-associated astrocytes (TAAs). These TAAs aid in tumor growth, invasion, and resistance to treatments like radiation and temozolomide, the most common form of chemotherapy (Brando, 2019).
Despite advances in surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, glioblastoma remains notoriously difficult to treat. As a result, patients typically survive only 12 to 18 months after diagnosis, and the poor prognosis is largely due to this invasive nature.
In light of the limitations of conventional therapies, which often cause significant toxicity and contribute to treatment-related mortality, researchers are exploring simpler, non-toxic approaches to treatment. These include targeting the tumor’s metabolism and harnessing natural compounds to alter the brain’s environment.
While the challenges are significant, research is revealing promising strategies that may improve outcomes and offer hope for treatment:
- Nicainamide: Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, has been demonstrated to restore healthy cellular metabolism in cancer cells by replenishing NAD+ levels, improving mitochondrial function. A 2020 study also found that niacin reactivates myeloid cells (immune cells), such as macrophages, enhancing their ability to attack glioblastoma cells, leading to a reduction in tumor growth.
Vitamin B3 helps treat cancer by:
- Enhancing mitochondrial function
- Promoting oxidative phosphorylation over glycolysis in cancer cells
- Reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress
- Protecting cells from DNA damage
- Repleting NAD+ reserves in cancer cells
- Modulating immune function
- Progesterone: Progesterone, a hormone known for its protective effects is often used to treat brain injury. New research shows it exhibits powerful anticancer properties, especially in the brain. A 2023 study demonstrated that high doses of progesterone effectively induce glioblastoma cell death and reduce tumor growth.
Progesterone helps treat cancer by:
- Reducing estrogen-driven growth and proliferation of cells
- Decreasing serotonin
- Inhibiting angiogenesis (inhibits the formation of new blood vessels that tumors need for nutrients)
- Enhancing mitochondrial function and reducing reliance on glycolysis in cancer cells
- Preventing excessive calcium influx that can drive cellular proliferation and over-excitation in the brain
- Aspirin: Regular aspirin use has been associated with a lower risk of developing gliomas, a group of brain tumors that includes glioblastoma. A 2019 study revealed that individuals who used aspirin for six months or more experienced a 38% reduced risk of glioma compared to non-users
Aspirin helps treat cancer by:
- Reducing inflammation (inhibiting COX enzymes and prostaglandins)
- Inhibiting aromatase (prevents the conversion of testosterone into estrogen)
- Lowering free fatty acids and improves cellular metabolism
- Restricting angiogenesis
- High Dose Vitamin C IV: Earlier this year, a phase 2 clinical trial in patients with glioblastoma found that adding high-dose IV vitamin C into standard chemo and radiation therapy significantly extended survival rates from 4 to 6 months (18–22 months) versus the 14–16 months survival typically seen with the standard treatment.
High dose vitamin C IV helps treat cancer by:
- Generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) that selectively damage cancer cells while sparing healthy cells
- Boosting immune function to help the body’s natural defenses target and destroy cancer cells
- Sensitizing cancer cells to radiation and chemotherapy, making treatments more effective