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A simple supplement combination shows promise in fighting brain cancer, study finds
An affordable combination of two common supplements has shown remarkable effects against the deadliest form of brain cancer in a small clinical trial, according to new research from India. Scientists report that the supplement pair dramatically weakened glioblastoma tumors without causing any side effects, potentially opening a new avenue for treatment.
Researchers at the Advanced Center for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC) in Mumbai conducted the study with 20 patients already scheduled for brain surgery. Half received tablets containing resveratrol and copper four times daily for about 12 days before their operations, while the other half served as a control group receiving no supplements.
“These results suggest that a simple, inexpensive and non-toxic nutraceutical tablet potentially has the power to heal glioblastoma,” said Dr. Indraneel Mittra, the lead researcher and professor at ACTREC, who directed the study published in BJC Reports.
The research team collected and analyzed tumor samples from all participants during surgery, allowing for direct comparison between treated and untreated cancerous tissues. The results were striking: tumor growth activity decreased by approximately 33%, cancer biomarkers dropped by 57%, and immune checkpoint signals fell by 41%. Perhaps most notably, cancer stem cell markers—associated with tumor recurrence and treatment resistance—were reduced by 56%.
“We observed near-complete eradication of cell-free chromatin particles from the cancerous glioblastoma tissues following treatment,” Mittra told Fox News Digital. “This finding was particularly significant because cell-free chromatin particles are key drivers of tumor aggressiveness.”
The researchers paired these specific supplements based on their unique biochemical interaction. Copper enables resveratrol—a natural compound found in red grapes, berries, and some nuts—to generate reactive molecules that can break down harmful DNA fragments known to inflame cancer cells. While resveratrol is already recognized for its antioxidant properties, its combination with copper created a different effect that specifically targeted the DNA debris contributing to cancer progression.
This approach represents a significant departure from traditional cancer treatments that typically aim to kill cancer cells directly. “We have been trying to kill cancer cells for 2,500 years, since the time of the ancient Greeks, without success,” Mittra noted. “Maybe it is time to look at cancer treatment differently and work toward healing tumors rather than annihilating them.”
Glioblastoma is one of the most aggressive and difficult-to-treat forms of cancer, with a median survival time of approximately 15 months after diagnosis even with standard treatments. The disease affects approximately 13,000 people annually in the United States alone, and new therapeutic approaches are desperately needed.
Despite the promising results, the researchers emphasized several important limitations to their study. The trial involved only 20 patients and examined short-term changes in tumor tissue over just 12 days. The physical appearance of tumors remained unchanged, and it remains unclear how these supplements might interact with standard treatments like chemotherapy and radiation.
“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,” Mittra cautioned. “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.”
Medical authorities, including the American Cancer Society, warn that supplements can pose risks for cancer patients and should only be used under medical supervision. Dietary supplements generally lack proven anti-cancer effects, may interfere with diagnostic testing, and can have unpredictable safety profiles and potential interactions with medications.
In 2024, the Tata Memorial Center, which oversees ACTREC, issued a statement urging caution about early findings on resveratrol and copper. “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,” the statement emphasized.
Larger, longer-term clinical trials will be necessary to determine whether this supplement combination truly improves outcomes for glioblastoma patients and can be safely used over extended periods. Nevertheless, this preliminary research offers a glimpse of potential new approaches to treating one of medicine’s most formidable challenges.
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14 Comments
Fascinating that common supplements could have such a profound effect against deadly brain cancer. I hope larger trials can confirm these promising early results. Affordable and non-toxic treatments would be a game-changer for glioblastoma patients.
Yes, the potential to use inexpensive natural compounds to fight such an aggressive cancer is really exciting. I’m eager to see how this progresses through further clinical research.
Resveratrol and copper? Who would have thought that simple nutrient combination could pack such a punch against glioblastoma. It’s amazing what natural compounds can do when we take the time to study them properly.
I agree, this is a great example of how conventional medicine can learn from traditional and natural remedies. Kudos to the researchers for exploring this unorthodox approach.
While I’m encouraged by these initial findings, I also want to see the full results from larger, more comprehensive clinical trials before getting too excited. Cancer research is full of false dawns, so I’ll remain cautiously optimistic for now.
That’s a prudent approach. Extraordinary claims do require rigorous, peer-reviewed evidence. But the potential of this supplement combo is certainly intriguing and worth further investigation.
This is really exciting news! Brain cancer is such a devastating diagnosis, so any potential new treatment options are incredibly welcome. I hope this leads to more affordable and accessible therapies for glioblastoma patients.
Me too. The fact that this is a simple, inexpensive supplement combination is particularly encouraging. Anything that can improve outcomes and quality of life for glioblastoma patients would be a major breakthrough.
Resveratrol and copper, huh? I wonder what the proposed mechanism of action is for this supplement combination. It would be great to understand the biological basis for their apparent anti-cancer effects.
Good point. Understanding the underlying science is crucial. I imagine the researchers will dive deeper into that as they expand their trials and investigations.
Resveratrol and copper, huh? I’m curious to learn more about the scientific rationale behind combining those two compounds to target glioblastoma. The fact that it’s a simple, low-cost intervention makes it even more promising.
Agreed, the underlying mechanism of action is key. I’d love to see the researchers dive deeper into the biological explanations for why this particular supplement combo appears to be effective against this deadly form of brain cancer.
I’m skeptical of any ‘miracle cures’ for cancer, but these early results are certainly intriguing. I hope the larger clinical trials can validate the effectiveness and safety of this supplement combo. Brain cancer patients desperately need new treatment options.
That’s a fair perspective. Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence, as they say. But the fact that this is a simple, low-cost intervention is certainly promising and worth further rigorous study.