Artificial sweeteners impede cancer immunotherapy

Every once in a while, science gives us something to chew on beyond the obvious.

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The latest study out of the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center offers one of those bites. It suggests that sucralose, a common artificial sweetener, might blunt the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy by disrupting gut bacteria and lowering levels of a key amino acid needed by immune cells. If this holds up, patients and oncologists may need to pay more attention to what's hidden in diet sodas and sugar-free foods.

Immunotherapy has changed the landscape of cancer treatment. By unleashing the body's T cells to attack tumours, therapies such as anti-PD-1 checkpoint inhibitors have given doctors powerful tools. But not every patient responds the same way.

Tumour type, genetic mutations, previous treatments and immune environment all matter. Now evidence suggests what you consume may matter, too.