High Spermidine Levels May Increase Colon Cancer Recurrence Risk

Having high levels of spermidine – a molecule involved in several cellular processes and also tumor growth – before surgery could increase the risk of colon and rectal cancer returning. This is according to a study by researchers at the Research Institute of the Hospital del Mar and the Hospital del mar, working with the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Barcelona’s Faculty of Biology.The findings where published in the journal Annals of Surgery.

The scientists have shown a connection between high spermidine levels before colorectal cancer surgery and a greater chance of the tumor coming back. Specifically, people with higher levels had a 4.7 times higher risk of recurrence compared to those with lower levels. The study also found that the more these levels dropped after surgery, the lower the risk of cancer returning.

Operating room material
image author: E. Arandes / www.farmacosalud.com
Source: Courtesy of Sagrat Cor hospital in Barcelona (Archive of www.farmacosalud.com)

One in Six Patients Experienced Tumor Recurrence

Researchers followed 146 patients who had undergone surgery for these tumors for five years afterward.In about one in six patients – 16.4% – the tumor reappeared. The study established a link between high spermidine levels before the operation and how much those levels decreased after surgery with the risk of the cancer returning.

“The results of our study could help us predict recurrence in these cases, even with samples taken before surgery, in patients where spermidine levels are higher,” says Dr. Francisco Madrid-Gambin,a member of the Applied Metabolomic Research Group at the Research Institute of the Hospital del Mar. He adds that this can be done “through a simple blood analysis.”

Potential for Targeted Treatment

These findings could lead to offering patients complementary or more specific treatments based on their spermidine levels. Understanding a patient’s spermidine levels could help doctors personalize cancer care and potentially improve outcomes.