Methionine-Restricted Diet a Promising Cancer Treatment

Research suggests that eating less of this common amino acid could starve tumors, keep them from growing

Methionine is found in most protein-containing foods, but animal-derived foods contain much more than most plant-based foods. fizkes/Shutterstock

The idea of hitting cancer cells where they’re vulnerable is the basis of conventional cancer treatments such as radiation or chemotherapy, which target the DNA of malignant cells. But researchers also have identified other, cancer-specific vulnerabilities.

Cancer cells have unique nutritional needs that differ from the healthy cells around them, and identifying these cancer-specific characteristics opens up potential areas for targeted treatment.