The fight against cancer has led to the development of various treatments, including immunotherapy, which harnesses the power of the immune system to target and destroy cancer cells. One type of immunotherapy, known as CAR T cell therapy, has shown significant promise in treating certain types of cancer, including leukemia and lymphoma. However, the effectiveness of CAR T cell therapy can vary depending on several factors, including the type of cancer, the patient’s overall health, and the specific characteristics of the CAR T cells used.
Recently, researchers have been exploring ways to enhance the effectiveness of CAR T cell therapy, including the use of dietary interventions. One such intervention is the keto diet, a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that has been shown to have anti-cancer effects. A new study published in the journal Nature Medicine has identified a metabolite produced by the keto diet that can boost the effectiveness of CAR T cell therapy.
The study, conducted by a team of researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, found that a metabolite called beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is produced by the liver when the body is in a state of ketosis, which occurs when the diet is low in carbohydrates and high in fat. BHB is a key energy source for the body, and the researchers found that it can also increase the energy production and function of CAR T cells.
To investigate the effects of BHB on CAR T cells, the researchers used a mouse model of lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects the immune system. They found that mice treated with CAR T cells and BHB had significantly improved treatment outcomes compared to mice treated with CAR T cells alone. The mice treated with BHB and CAR T cells had reduced tumor growth, improved survival rates, and increased CAR T cell persistence and function.
The researchers also found that BHB increased the expression of genes involved in energy metabolism and cell survival in CAR T cells, which may contribute to its ability to enhance CAR T cell therapy. Additionally, they found that BHB inhibited the activity of a protein called PD-1, which is a checkpoint protein that can suppress the activity of CAR T cells.
The study’s findings have significant implications for the treatment of cancer using CAR T cell therapy. The use of BHB or other keto diet metabolites may be a simple and effective way to enhance the effectiveness of CAR T cell therapy, leading to improved treatment outcomes for patients with certain types of cancer.
“The keto diet has been shown to have anti-cancer effects, and our study suggests that one of the ways it does this is by producing BHB, which can enhance the effectiveness of CAR T cell therapy,” said Dr. Bingliang Fang, a researcher at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and lead author of the study. “We are excited about the potential of this approach to improve cancer treatment outcomes, and we plan to continue investigating the use of BHB and other keto diet metabolites in combination with CAR T cell therapy.”
The study’s findings also highlight the importance of diet in cancer treatment. While the keto diet has been shown to have anti-cancer effects, it is not a cure for cancer, and patients should consult with their healthcare provider before making any changes to their diet.
In addition to its potential to enhance CAR T cell therapy, the keto diet has been shown to have other anti-cancer effects, including reducing inflammation, improving insulin sensitivity, and increasing the production of cancer-fighting compounds. The diet has also been shown to improve symptoms and quality of life for patients with certain types of cancer.
Overall, the study’s findings suggest that the keto diet may be a useful adjunct to CAR T cell therapy, and that the use of BHB or other keto diet metabolites may be a simple and effective way to enhance the effectiveness of this type of immunotherapy.
