Breakthrough study reveals resveratrol and copper supplements weaken glioblastoma

A groundbreaking study from the Advanced Center for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC) in Mumbai, India, has found that a combination of two inexpensive and widely available supplements - resveratrol and copper - may dramatically weaken glioblastoma, one of the deadliest forms of brain cancer. The research, led by Dr. Indraneel Mittra, showed promising results in a small group of patients, but experts emphasize that the findings remain preliminary.

Significant Biological Impact on Tumors

The study, published in the journal BJC Reports in September, involved 20 glioblastoma patients who were already scheduled for brain surgery. Of these, 10 patients were given a tablet containing resveratrol and copper four times daily for approximately 12 days before their operations, while the other 10 served as a control group and did not receive the supplements.

Analysis of tumor samples collected during surgery revealed significant biological changes in the treated tumors. Researchers observed a near-complete eradication of DNA fragments, known as cell-free chromatin particles, which are released by dying cancer cells and are believed to exacerbate tumor aggression. Additionally, several important cancer biomarkers showed notable reductions: tumor growth activity dropped by 33%, immune checkpoint signals decreased by 41%, cancer stem-cell markers fell by 56%, and overall cancer biomarkers reduced by 57%.

"We observed near-complete eradication of cell-free chromatin particles from the cancerous glioblastoma tissues following [the resveratrol and copper] treatment", said Dr. Mittra. "This finding was particularly significant because cell-free chromatin particles are key drivers of tumor aggressiveness."

Despite these dramatic biological shifts, the research team noted that the physical appearance of the tumors remained unchanged over the 12-day treatment period.

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How the Supplements Work

Resveratrol, a polyphenol found naturally in foods such as red grapes and berries, is known for its antioxidant properties. However, in this study, pairing it with copper produced a unique reaction that generated reactive molecules capable of breaking down harmful DNA fragments within cancer cells. The researchers believe this approach could help "heal" tumors rather than simply destroy them.

"The tablets used small amounts of copper and resveratrol to generate molecules that break down DNA debris that can inflame cancer cells", Mittra explained. He further noted, "We have been trying to kill cancer cells for 2,500 years, since the time of the ancient Greeks, without success. Maybe it is time to look at cancer treatment differently and work toward healing tumors rather than annihilating them."

Promising Results, But Caution Urged

While the findings are encouraging, the researchers stressed that this study is just the beginning. The trial included only 20 patients, and the treatment period was limited to 12 days. As a result, it remains unclear whether the supplements can improve long-term outcomes or interact effectively with standard cancer treatments such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy.

Dr. Mittra emphasized the need for further research: "The public should understand that ours is only a first step, and our findings are based on a relatively small number of patients, which needs replication in larger patient cohorts."

In 2024, the Tata Memorial Center, which oversees ACTREC, issued a statement cautioning against premature adoption of resveratrol and copper supplementation. "It should be noted that resveratrol plus copper, including its tablet formulation, is not a substitute for established cancer treatments like surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and targeted therapy, which have been conclusively proven to provide benefits and result in cures in a substantial proportion of patients", the statement read.

Dr. Mittra also warned against self-medication, stating, "They should not start self-medicating simply because these items are readily available. There may be minimal benefit unless the controlled formulation we designed for our study is used."

Risks and Future Research

While dietary supplements like resveratrol and copper are widely available, experts urged caution for cancer patients, as supplements can carry risks and may interfere with diagnostic testing or established treatments. According to the American Cancer Society, supplements should only be used under medical supervision.

The study’s authors hope that larger, longer-term clinical trials will confirm their findings and perhaps pave the way for a shift in cancer treatment strategies. "I believe we may be on the brink of transforming the way cancer is treated", said Dr. Mittra.

For now, resveratrol and copper remain experimental in the context of cancer treatment, offering a glimmer of hope tempered by the need for rigorous scientific validation.

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