People with fatty liver disease are significantly more likely to develop aggressive forms of bowel cancer, according to new research published in the journal Nature. The findings suggest that the metabolic condition can directly influence how cancer behaves, potentially explaining a rise in aggressive metastases where cancer spreads from the bowel to other organs.
Fatty liver disease, often linked to obesity, unhealthy diets, and sedentary lifestyles, is increasingly prevalent worldwide. Researchers from KU Leuven and the Leuven Cancer Institute in Belgium found that elevated fatty acids in fatty livers can alter cancer cells by stabilizing a protein known as MYC, which drives cancer growth. This process increases the production of proline, an amino acid involved in collagen formation, which in turn creates a structure for tumor cells to invade and expand.
"In simple terms, the fatty liver provides both the signal and the construction materials that tumors need to grow more aggressively," said Professor Sarah-Maria Fendt, the study's lead author. "It fundamentally changes the rules of how metastases develop."
The study noted that this discovery offers a new way to identify patients who might benefit from specific treatments, potentially making clinical trials more efficient.
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Experiments using patient-derived tissue showed that targeting different steps in this pathway, such as the MYC protein, amino acid production, or collagen formation, could reduce the growth of aggressive tumors. This suggests that treatments could be tailored to a patient's metabolic condition, specifically addressing the most dangerous forms of metastatic cancer, particularly in individuals with liver conditions.
"This work shifts our perspective," added Dr. Yiming Peng-Winkler, the study's first author. "It shows that, to effectively treat cancer, we need to consider not just the tumor but also the environment it depends on. Only then can we design truly precise and effective therapies."
The research also highlights a broader principle: cancer progression is shaped by both the tumor itself and its internal environment. This connection is particularly relevant as the number of under-50s being diagnosed with bowel cancer is increasing in the UK, with obesity identified as a potential key driver.
Experts suggest that maintaining a healthy weight, moderating alcohol consumption, and adhering to a balanced diet can help mitigate the risk of aggressive forms of the disease. Lifestyle factors such as not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and regular exercise have been shown to have a protective effect against both fatty liver disease and certain cancers.