Does glutamine feed cancer? How to block glutamine safely

Summary

Dr. Igor Atabekov, a clinical oncologist, discusses the metabolic approach to cancer treatment, focusing on glutamine, a key energy source for tumors. He explores natural remedies and drugs like metformin that could potentially block glutamine uptake, thereby starving cancer cells. The video also touches on substances like arisin, resveratrol, curcumin, berberine, and green tea extracts, which show promise in enhancing chemotherapy sensitivity and blocking glutamine metabolism. Dr. Atabekov emphasizes the need for further research, as these treatments are not yet standard but are grounded in scientific evidence.

Takeaways

• 👨‍⚕️ Dr. Igor Atabekov is a clinical oncologist with experience since 2010, practicing in Russia and exploring natural treatments for cancer.
• 🌿 He discusses the metabolic theory of cancer and the potential of keto diets and ketone bodies to starve cancer cells.
• 🚫 Dr. Atabekov emphasizes the need to reduce and block glutamine, a source of energy for many tumors, alongside sugar reduction.
• 🌿 Santonin, derived from plants used in beer making, can block glutamine transport into cells, though supplements are not known to him.
• 💊 Metformin, a common diabetes drug, may decrease insulin resistance, block glutamine, and affect cancer stem cells, but its effectiveness varies by tumor type.
• 🌿 Artemisinin, found in the sweet wormwood plant, has antimalarial properties and can block glutamine, though its sensitivity across tumors is not uniform.
• 🍇 Resveratrol, an antioxidant in grapes, can increase tumor sensitivity to chemotherapy drugs and affect glutamine metabolism, but its impact can be context-dependent.
• 🍵 Curcumin, found in turmeric, and substances in green tea like EGCG, can improve chemotherapy drug sensitivity and block glutamine transport in cancer cells.
• 🌿 Berberine, known for its anti-tumor activity, can decrease glutamine uptake by cancer cells.
• 🔬 The substances mentioned are not official treatments but have theoretical and scientific bases that require further research.

Q & A

Who is Dr. Igor Atabekov and what is his profession?

Dr. Igor Atabekov is a clinical oncologist who has been practicing since 2010. He works in Russia, both in governmental clinics and is interested in exploring natural types of treatment and adjunctive treatments for cancer.

What is the metabolic theory of cancer that Dr. Atabekov mentioned?

The metabolic theory of cancer refers to the concept of starving cancer cells by manipulating their metabolic pathways, such as the keto diet and reducing glucose intake, to limit the energy sources available to the tumor cells.

Why is glutamine significant in cancer treatment according to Dr. Atabekov?

Glutamine is significant because it serves as a source of energy for many tumors. Reducing its availability can potentially starve the cancer cells and hinder their growth.

What is the role of metformin in cancer treatment as discussed by Dr. Atabekov?

Metformin, primarily used for type 2 diabetes, may also have anti-cancer properties. It can block glutamine, decrease insulin resistance, and blood glucose levels, and it may also block autophagy, which is a survival mechanism for cells during starvation.

How does autophagy relate to cancer cell survival?

Autophagy is a process where cells survive starvation by consuming their own cellular components. In cancer, blocking autophagy can prevent tumors from using this survival mechanism, potentially making them more vulnerable to treatment.

What is the significance of cancer stem cells in recurrence and drug resistance?

Cancer stem cells are considered the source of recurrence and drug resistance. They can lie dormant and then reactivate to form new tumors, which is why targeting these cells is crucial in cancer treatment.

What is the potential role of arisin in cancer treatment?

Arsinic, found in the herb Artemisia annua, has antimalarial and antiparasitic effects and may also block glutamine, potentially making tumors more sensitive to treatment.

How does resveratrol affect glutamine metabolism in cancer cells?

Resveratrol, an antioxidant found in grapes, can increase the sensitivity of tumors to chemotherapy drugs and decrease the absorption and transport of glutamine, thus potentially inhibiting tumor growth.

What is the effect of curcumin on chemotherapy drug sensitivity?

Curcumin, found in turmeric, can improve the sensitivity of tumors to chemotherapy drugs and decrease glutamine metabolism, suggesting it may be beneficial in combination with other treatments.

How does berberine impact cancer cells' glutamine uptake?

Berberine, known for its anti-tumor activity, can decrease the uptake of glutamine by cancer cells, which may help in limiting the energy supply to the tumor.

What is the potential role of green tea components in blocking glutamine?

Components in green tea, such as EGCG, can antagonize glutamine, potentially helping to block its use by cancer cells and thus inhibiting their growth and spread.