Sugary drinks linked to colorectal cancer spread

Sugary drinks may fuel colorectal cancer metastasis through a specific enzyme.

Why it matters

  • Metastasis is the leading cause of death in colorectal cancer patients.
  • The study provides the first direct evidence linking sugary drinks to cancer spread.

By the numbers

  • Study was preclinical, using laboratory cancer models.
  • Only the glucose-fructose mix increased cancer cell mobility and metastasis.

The big picture

  • Sugary drinks activate the SORD enzyme, boosting glucose metabolism and driving metastasis.
  • Blocking SORD slowed metastasis, suggesting potential new treatments.

What they're saying

  • A commenter noted a personal anecdote about sugar and cancer.
  • Another commenter appreciated studies highlighting the dangers of soft drinks.

Caveats

  • The study is preclinical and needs further clinical investigation.
  • Dietary recommendations may need revision, but this is preliminary.

What’s next

  • Further studies are needed to confirm these results in humans.
  • Potential new treatments targeting the SORD enzyme could be explored.