An Immune Boost against Neuroblastoma—Common Food Extract Potentially Effective

For centuries, ancient cultures have utilized the innate healing power of botanicals. Now, 21^st century researchers are unraveling their mystery, proving the far-reaching possibilities of a common dietary compound called beta-glucan.

Dr. Nai-Kong Cheung, head of the neuroblastoma Program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and a Hope Street Kids-funded researcher, is leading this critical investigation. "In some countries, glucan is used as a chemotherapy for cancer. But how it works has never been fully understood," he says. "We asked ourselves 'Why is it effective?' And what we have discovered is exciting."

Glucans were previously shown to stimulate the immune system to fight some cancer cells. It seems especially effective against cancers in which there is ongoing host immunity. Cheung theorized that glucan might work more effectively if it were used in conjunction with existing antibody treatments. While antibody therapy has produced responses, its full potential has not been fully realized.

Cheung believed that glucan might energize the body's white cells, a hypothesis that has since been proven at the bench, and is now being tested at the bedside.

In animal studies, Cheung orally administered purified glucan taken from barley and oats. "We tested their effectiveness in laboratory mice carrying neuroblastoma tumors," Cheung explains. "When used alone, it was not effective. But when we used it along with the anti-GD2 monoclonal antibody 3F8, tumor growth was nearly totally suppressed."

Cheung believes that when the glucan molecule arrives at certain parts of the gastrointestinal tract, it attaches to "receptor cells," activating them to release cancer-fighting leukocytes that attack the tumor. This action, however, is dependent on the antibodies that certain proteins attach to the surface of tumor cells.

"They are natural cancer-fighting companions," says Cheung. "Glucan does not appear to be toxic and is effective when given by mouth in these animal studies."

Today, Cheung is conducting a clinical trial of the combination therapy on children with neuroblastoma. "The results of this research have implications that reach beyond neuroblastoma," he believes. "When you find something effective against one cancer, it may have an impact on other cancers and potentially other non-malignant diseases."

"It is too early to tell if this therapy will improve the chances for survival for these young cancer patients, but I am hopeful. We keep in mind that in pediatric research, a child saved can mean many years of productive life for all. And, I am very grateful that Hope Street Kids has the vision to embrace this important idea."

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