This berry may boost conventional cancer therapy

Combining blueberry extract with traditional radiation therapy for cancer can increase the treatment's effectiveness, according to a new study, Blueberry as a Potential Radiosensitizer for Treating Cervical Cancer, conducted at the University of Missouri School of Medicine.

The researchers looked at human cervical cancer cell lines to mimic clinical treatment. The cell lines were divided into four groups that included a control group, a group that received only radiation, a group that received only blueberry extract, and a group that received both radiation and the extract.

The team used three different measures to confirm results of the study, according to its authors. Radiation decreased cancer cells by approximately 20 percent. The cell group that received only blueberry extract had a 25 percent decrease in cancer. However, the biggest decline in cancer cells occurred in the radiation and extract group, with a decrease of about 70 percent.

Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays and other particles, such as gamma rays, to destroy cancer cells, says Yujiang Fang, MD, Ph.D., a visiting professor at the university and lead author of the study. For some cancers, such as late-stage cervical cancer, radiation is a good treatment option. However, collateral damage to healthy cells always occurs. Based on previous research, the team studied blueberry extract to verify it could be used as a radiosensitizer.

Radiosensitizers are non-toxic chemicals that make cancer cells more responsive to radiation therapy. In a previous study, Fang and his research team showed that resveratrol, a compound in red grapes, could be used as a radiosensitizer for treating prostate cancer. Blueberries also contain resveratrol.

Fang explained that the mechanism that makes blueberry extract a radiosensitizer also reduces the abnormal explosion of cell growth, the basis of cancer.

"Cancer cells avoid death by remodeling themselves," Fang said. "Along with reducing cell proliferation, the extract also 'tricks' cancer cells into dying. So it inhibits the birth and promotes the death of cancer cells."

Fang said an animal study is the next step to confirm that his team can achieve the same results.

"Blueberries are very common and found all over the world," Fang said. "They are readily accessible and inexpensive. As a natural treatment option for boosting the effectiveness of existing therapies, I feel they would be enthusiastically accepted."