Sugar from the Sea: A Potential Cancer Cure

Plaguing Americans as the second leading cause of death in the United States is cancer. Clinical trials and research in epidemiology seek to understand the causes and potential new cures of cancer. A recent scientific discovery may reveal a cure for cancer found in a rather unconventional place: the ocean.

A groundbreaking discovery was unveiled in a recent article by The Faseb Journal. Discovered at the Science and Technology Innovation Project of Laoshan Laboratory, a sugar compound demonstrated a rather explosive effect on cancer cells. By purifying the long-chain sugar molecule, termed exopolysaccharide, the scientists yielded a powerful molecule named EPS3.9. When presented to an active cancer cell, EPS3.9 prompted immediate pyroptosis of the cell. Pyroptosis is “an inflammatory cell death” according to Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research. Pyroptosis is significant because it is a programmed cell death that operates by exploding the cell from within and releasing signalling molecules that activate the immune system. The immune response that ensues after pyroptosis has a two-fold effect on the body; the harmful cancer cells are excreted from inside the body and the immune system is prompted to attack existing tumors.

In the original article, EPS3.9 demonstrated a potent effect on cancerous tumors: “In experiments with mice bearing liver tumors, EPS3.9 not only significantly suppressed tumor growth but also activated the animals’ anti-tumor immune responses. This study presents a novel mechanism underlying the anti-tumor activity of polysaccharides in medicine and provides a theoretical basis for developing more carbohydrate-based drugs” (The Faseb Journal).

A key detail in this exciting discovery is the origin of this efficacious exopolysaccharide. The sugar structure is found in the deep-sea bacteria, Spongiibacter, that often resides in marine sponges. While some may perceive the pursuit of cancer treatments deep within the ocean blue as unconventional, science reminds us that the natural world often offers health remedies. Salt water, for example, has many known benefits such as gastrointestinal detoxification, respiratory aid, and wound healing. The discovery of EPS3.9 has propelled science and medicine forward and confirmed that nature can provide valuable solutions to modern medical issues.

In the face of a disease as harrowing as cancer, recovery can feel like an impossible goal to achieve. This discovery provides hope to many patients burdened with a heavy diagnosis but a light load of feasible treatment options.