New method to deliver glucose to cancer cells could prove key to defeating deadly cancers
Monday, July 20, 2015 - 14:30
in Health & Medicine
Scientists have, for the first time, demonstrated the importance of sodium-dependent glucose transporters (SGLTs) in delivering glucose to pancreatic and prostate cancer cells. Their study results show promising evidence that current SGLT inhibitor drugs (such as those commonly used to treat diabetes) could potentially be used to block glucose uptake and reduce tumor growth in these cancers. The researchers also utilized PET imaging to measure SGLT activity, suggesting the technology could be used to better diagnose pancreatic and prostate cancers. Pancreatic and prostate cancers are among the most deadly forms of cancer in men, and new therapies are urgently needed to combat these diseases.