Creatine Could Supercharge Cancer Fight

A widely used gym supplement, creatine, is showing potential as an ally in cancer treatment. New research indicates that creatine may enhance the effectiveness of the immune system's cancer-fighting T cells and support dendritic cells, which guide T cell activation.

Studies conducted on mice and laboratory-grown human cells suggest that creatine supplementation could slow tumor growth and improve immune responses. Specifically, increased creatine levels in mice with melanoma led to reduced tumor progression and more active dendritic cells.

These findings could pave the way for improved cancer immunotherapy treatments, which currently benefit only a portion of patients. Researchers emphasize that the results are preliminary, and human clinical trials are necessary to validate creatine's role in cancer therapy. Patients should consult doctors before taking creatine for medical purposes.

If further studies confirm these benefits, creatine's widespread availability and low cost could make it an accessible supportive therapy for cancer patients. The study was published in the journal iScience.