Vitamin B3 May Help Fight Brain Cancer, Finds A Study

Let us first talk about Glioblastoma, which is the most commonly diagnosed and lethal form of brain cancer. It is a kind of malignant brain tumour that can be controlled minimally with surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Roughly 18,000 people in the US are diagnosed each year with Glioblastoma. Recently, a study revealed that vitamin B3 could offer hope to brain cancer patients. Let us know more about this study.

About The Study

This research study was published in Science Translational Medicine and was conducted on mice. The ultimate goal of the research was to "make dents in the fight against glioblastoma". The author of the study, V Wee Yong who is a professor at The University of Calgary's Cumming School of Medicine said, "It is by making several dents that we will ultimately succeed in controlling this aggressive cancer." Mr Yong addressed this study 'remarkable' in history.

Vitamin B3 can control Glioblastoma

Study Findings

The study found that the common vitamin Niacin or B3 could offer hope for brain cancer patients. The findings suggest that Niacin could reprogram immune cells in the brain and boost the cell's ability to fight off tumours.

We still do not know whether these findings will translate to patients. But Yong said his team plans to conduct human clinical trials in the near future.

(Also read: Excessive Drinking Adds Fat To The Waistline, Says Study)