Recent research conducted by American researchers was successfully revealed how to stop tumor cells in eating sugar. One of the differences of cancer cells with normal cells around them is in the form of glucose metabolism. Since 1923, scientists have discovered that tumor cells consume more glucose than normal cells.

In general, the speed of cancer cells growth that reflects its malignant level comparable to the level of glucose consumption. Research conducted by U.S. experts was successfully revealed how the process goes.

“We hope this research may be useful to stop the growth of tumor cells,” said Don Ayer, researcher from Huntsman Cancer Institute and professor of the Department of Oncological Science, University of Utah, USA.

Ayer and his team found that limiting amino acid called glutamine can stop the ability of cells to utilize glucose.

“Basically, if you do not have a glutamine, the cell signal will stop because of lack of glucose and ultimately will suppress the growth of cancer cells,” said Ayer, whose his research was published in a scientific journal site of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

The next step of this research is develop animal models to test theories about the Mondo protein and gen called TXNIP in taking control of glucose by cells. “If we can understand this, then we will break the cycle of glucose usage which is very useful for the treatment of cancer,” said Ayer.