Effects of Xylitol on Tumor Progression in Syngeneic Mice Cancer Models

Mark Cannon*, Ashlee Cosantino, Lori Tran, Navdeep S. Chandel, Nayereh Ghoreishi

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of xylitol, a natural sugar alcohol, on tumor progression in syngeneic mouse cancer models. Xylitol is known for its dental health benefits, but emerging evidence suggests broader biological roles, including potential anti-cancer properties. We explored xylitol’s impact on two mouse cancer models: 4T1 mammary carcinoma and B16F10 melanoma. Xylitol’s efficacy in inhibiting cancer cell lines and modulating tumor progression was assessed using immunocompetent female mice. The experiments involved intratumoral and peritumoral administration of a 20% xylitol solution in two mouse strains: BALB/c (4T1 mammary carcinoma) and C57BL/6 (B16F10 melanoma). Tumor volume, histopathology, and metabolomic analyses were conducted to gauge xylitol’s influence. The study revealed that xylitol administration initially reduced tumor growth in the B16F10 melanoma model, accompanied by alterations in tumor metabolism. However, similar effects were not observed in the 4T1 mammary carcinoma model, and melanoma tumor growth re-commenced in the melanoma model after stroma deterioration caused xylitol solution leakage. These findings suggest that xylitol may have potential as an adjunct therapy in cancer treatment, specifically in melanoma. The differential response between the two cancer models underscores the complexity of cancer biology and the need for further investigation into xylitol’s mechanisms of action and its role in cancer therapy.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number4
JournalNutraceuticals
Volume5
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2025

Funding

This work was supported by the Developmental Therapeutics Core at Northwestern University and the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center support grant (NCI CA060553). Funding was also provided by the Swanson Fund of Northwestern University, with special thanks to Michael Milligan, Lon Jones, and R. William Cornell for their contributions to the Swanson Fund.

Keywords

  • cancer treatment
  • mammary carcinoma
  • melanoma
  • metabolomics
  • mouse cancer models
  • oncology
  • sugar alcohol
  • syngeneic mice models
  • tumor progression
  • xylitol

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Food Science
  • Nutrition and Dietetics

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