Labeled as a cancer-causing chemical for decades and declared safe about 15 years ago, saccharin may actually inhibit the growth of cancer cells, according to new research.
The artificial sweetener shows considerable promise for its ability to block an enzyme upregulated in many cancers that helps tumor cells survive and metastasize, researchers say.
After testing its effectiveness on cancer cells, scientists believe saccharin could eventually lead to the development of drugs that treat highly aggressive cancers affecting the breast, liver, prostate, kidney, and pancreas, says Robert McKenna, professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at University of Florida.
