METABOLIC THERAPY

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Supplement

2-Deoxy-D-Glucose (2DG)

2-Deoxy-D-glucose (2DG) is a glucose analogue that inhibits glycolysis, the primary metabolic pathway cells use for energy production. Its ability to disrupt cellular metabolism makes it a potential therapeutic agent, particularly in cancer treatment.
Pricing

Costs could range from £128 to £500 for 25g.

We will update the pricing when we’ve done more research on suppliers and quality requirements.

2-Deoxy-D-Glucose (2DG)

Cancer Impact Summary

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Full Supplement Details

2-Deoxy-D-glucose (2DG) is a glucose analogue that has been extensively studied for its potential anti-cancer properties. It acts by inhibiting glycolysis, a metabolic pathway crucial for the energy production in cancer cells. This inhibition leads to a depletion of cellular energy stores, ultimately causing cell death.

Mechanism of Action

2DG is taken up by cells through glucose transporters, such as Glut1, which are often overexpressed in cancer cells. Once inside, it blocks the activity of hexokinase and other enzymes involved in glycolysis, preventing the conversion of glucose into energy (ATP) and leading to cellular stress and apoptosis (programmed cell death)17. This process is particularly effective in cancer cells, which rely heavily on glycolysis for energy production, even in the presence of oxygen—a phenomenon known as the Warburg effect.

Effects on Cancer Cells

  • Apoptosis and Cell Death: Studies have shown that 2DG induces apoptosis in breast cancer cells by activating caspase 3 and cleaving poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), leading to significant reductions in cell viability and clonogenic survival1.

  • Increased Glucose Transporter Expression: Treatment with 2DG results in increased expression of glucose transporters like Glut1, which paradoxically enhances the uptake of 2DG, accelerating cell death1.

  • Metabolic Changes: Combined treatment with metformin and 2DG can induce detachment of viable cancer cells, potentially facilitating metastasis but also altering metabolic profiles in a way that may be beneficial for therapeutic targeting2.

Clinical Trials and Applications

  • Cancer Treatment: 2DG has been explored in clinical trials for its potential to enhance the effects of radiotherapy by sensitizing tumour cells while protecting normal tissue45. It has shown promise in improving survival rates and quality of life in patients with glioblastoma multiforme when used alongside radiation therapy4.

  • Safety and Dosage: Clinical trials have identified optimal dosages for 2DG, with doses up to 60 mg/kg being generally well-tolerated, though higher doses may cause QTc prolongation36.

Future Directions

The use of 2DG as a metabolic therapy for cancer holds significant potential due to its ability to target the unique metabolic vulnerabilities of cancer cells. Further research is needed to fully explore its efficacy and safety in combination with other treatments, as well as its potential applications beyond cancer therapy.

Dosage

  • Recommended Dosage with Docetaxel: A phase I trial found that a dose of 63 mg/kg/day of 2DG, when combined with weekly docetaxel, is well-tolerated with manageable adverse effects such as fatigue, sweating, dizziness, and nausea1.

  • Tolerability in Solid Tumors: The same dose of 63 mg/kg/day has been used in other studies involving patients with solid tumors, indicating its safety profile24.

  • Dose Escalation Studies: Higher doses up to 126 mg/kg/day have been tested, with hyperglycemia being a common side effect, but generally, these doses are also well-tolerated24.

  • Specific Safety Concerns: Doses above 60 mg/kg have been associated with reversible grade 3 QTc prolongation, which is a dose-limiting toxicity5. However, doses up to 250 mg/kg have been safely administered in some contexts, such as glioblastoma multiforme4.

Overall, while higher doses may be explored for specific conditions, the established safe dosage for many applications is around 63 mg/kg/day.

Cancer Types Tested Against

Brain Tumours, Breast Cancer, Lung Cancer, Prostate Cancer

Side Effects

2-Deoxy-D-Glucose (2DG) is generally well-tolerated, but it can cause several side effects, some of which are mild and temporary.

Here are the most commonly reported side effects:

  • Hyperglycaemia: This is one of the most common side effects, as 2DG blocks glucose metabolism, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. It occurs in less than 10% of patients135.

  • Fatigue, Sweating, and Light-headedness: These symptoms are reported in a small percentage of patients and typically resolve shortly after administration3.

  • Palpitations and Dizziness: These have been observed in some patients, particularly in those receiving doses of 63 mg and 90 mg1.

  • Diarrhoea: This occurs in a small number of patients1.

  • Nausea: Though less common, nausea has been reported in some cases3.

  • QTc Prolongation: This is a more serious side effect, primarily associated with very high doses (over 200 mg/kg), and is reversible35.

  • Gastrointestinal Issues: There is a risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, especially in patients with pre-existing gastrointestinal conditions5.

Overall, while 2DG is generally safe, monitoring and careful dosing are essential to manage these side effects effectively.

Combination Therapies

Combinations with Chemotherapy

  • Docetaxel: A phase I trial combined 2DG with docetaxel in patients with solid tumors. The combination was found to be safe and feasible, with no significant pharmacokinetic interactions between the two drugs14.

  • Adriamycin and Paclitaxel: Preclinical studies have shown that combining 2DG with these chemotherapeutic agents can be more effective than using either agent alone, particularly in targeting slowly dividing cells within tumors15.

Combinations with Metformin

  • Breast Cancer Cells: Studies have demonstrated that co-treatment with 2DG and metformin significantly reduces cell viability and increases apoptosis in breast cancer cells compared to using either drug alone26.

Combinations with Radiotherapy

  • Gliomas: Clinical trials have explored the combination of 2DG with radiotherapy in treating gliomas. This combination has shown promise in enhancing the effects of radiation by inhibiting the repair of radiation damage in cancer cells7.

Combinations with Non-Thermal Plasma

  • Blood Cancer Cells: Research has shown that combining non-thermal plasma with 2DG synergistically inhibits the growth of blood cancer cells by targeting glycolysis and inducing apoptosis3.

These combinations highlight the potential of 2DG as part of a multi-modal approach to cancer therapy, targeting different aspects of cancer cell metabolism and survival.

Quality of Life Effects

The impact of 2DG on quality of life in cancer warriors is not well-documented due to its investigational status. Potential effects on energy levels, glucose metabolism, and treatment-related side effects need to be carefully evaluated in clinical settings.

Answers to all your questions

We’ve done our best to include as much information as possible for this supplement. 

If you have any other questions, please send us a message or join our Skool Group and ask our knowledgeable and friendly community.

2DG is not widely available, but a search for 2DG does reveal several potential suppliers. However, we have not researched any of them at this time and cannot make any recommendations as to the best source.

We will update this post when we have more information.

While specific patient demographics where 2-Deoxy-D-Glucose (2DG) works better have not been extensively detailed, some insights can be derived from existing studies:

  1. Age and Gender: In a COVID-19 study, the mean age of patients treated with 2DG was around 44.9 years, with a majority being male (80.7%)1. However, this does not necessarily indicate that 2DG is more effective in these demographics but rather reflects the composition of the study population.

  2. Cancer Types: 2DG has shown promise in various cancer types, including triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), where it targets aggressive phenotypes by inhibiting glycolysis3. It has also been studied in prostate cancer, cervical cancer, and non-small cell lung cancer2.

  3. Tumour Characteristics: The effectiveness of 2DG may be influenced by the metabolic profile of the tumor. Tumors with high glycolytic rates, such as those in aggressive cancer phenotypes, might respond better to 2DG treatment35.

  4. Combination Therapies: The efficacy of 2DG can be enhanced when used in combination with other therapies like chemotherapy or metformin. These combinations may be particularly beneficial in patients with chemotherapy-resistant or recurring cancers46.

Overall, while specific demographic factors have not been identified as predictors of better outcomes with 2DG, its effectiveness is generally linked to the metabolic characteristics of the cancer cells and the use of combination therapies.

Research on resistance mechanisms to 2DG is ongoing. Potential mechanisms under investigation include upregulation of alternative metabolic pathways, increased expression of glucose transporters, and activation of autophagy as a survival mechanism. Understanding these resistance pathways is crucial for developing strategies to enhance 2DG’s efficacy.

Preclinical studies on 2DG have been conducted in various cancer models, including glioblastoma, breast cancer, and lung cancer. These studies have investigated 2DG’s effects on tumour growth, metabolism, and potential synergies with other therapies. For specific studies, a literature search on platforms like PubMed using keywords “2-deoxy-D-glucose” and “cancer” is recommended.

Information on active clinical trials involving 2DG can be found on ClinicalTrials.gov. At time of writing, there were several ongoing Phase I and Phase II trials investigating 2DG in various cancer types and combination regimens.

Current data on specific genetic markers associated with 2DG response in cancer treatment is limited. However, research suggests that tumours with mutations in genes regulating glucose metabolism (e.g., KRAS, BRAF) may show increased sensitivity to 2DG. Further investigation is needed to identify reliable biomarkers for patient selection.

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Inducing Apoptosis

Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is a natural process where cells self-destruct when they are damaged or no longer needed. This is crucial for maintaining healthy tissues and preventing diseases like cancer. 

Drugs and supplements that induce apoptosis help eliminate cancerous cells by triggering this self-destruct mechanism, ensuring that harmful cells are removed without damaging surrounding healthy tissue. 

Understanding and harnessing apoptosis is vital in the fight against cancer, as it targets the root cause of the disease at the cellular level.

Inhibiting Cell Proliferation

Cell proliferation is the process by which cells grow and divide to produce more cells. While this is essential for growth and healing, uncontrolled cell proliferation can lead to cancer.

Drugs and supplements that inhibit cell proliferation help prevent the rapid multiplication of cancerous cells, slowing down or stopping the progression of the disease.

By targeting the mechanisms that drive cell division, these treatments play a vital role in controlling and potentially eradicating cancer.

Targeting Specific Pathways

Cancer cells often hijack specific biological pathways to grow and spread. Drugs and supplements that target these pathways can disrupt the cancer cell’s ability to survive and multiply.

By focusing on the unique mechanisms that cancer cells use, these treatments can be more effective and cause fewer side effects compared to traditional therapies.

Targeting specific pathways is a key strategy in precision medicine, offering a tailored approach to combat cancer at its core.

Angiogenesis Inhibition

Angiogenesis is the process by which new blood vessels form, supplying nutrients and oxygen to tissues. Cancer cells exploit this process to fuel their growth and spread.

Drugs and supplements that inhibit angiogenesis can effectively starve cancer cells by blocking the formation of these new blood vessels.

By cutting off the supply lines that tumors rely on, angiogenesis inhibitors play a crucial role in controlling and potentially shrinking cancerous growths.

Role in Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy harnesses the power of the body’s immune system to combat cancer. By boosting or restoring the immune system’s natural ability to detect and destroy cancer cells, immunotherapy offers a targeted and effective approach to treatment.

Drugs and supplements that support immunotherapy can enhance the immune response, making it more efficient at identifying and attacking cancer cells.

This innovative approach not only helps in treating cancer but also reduces the risk of recurrence, providing a powerful tool in the fight against this disease.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can contribute to the development and progression of cancer.

Drugs and supplements with anti-inflammatory properties help reduce inflammation, thereby lowering the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases.

By targeting the inflammatory processes, these treatments can help maintain a healthier cellular environment and prevent the conditions that allow cancer to thrive.