The Faculty of Medicine of the University of Hong Kong (HKU) unveiled a significant discovery on Oct. 9, highlighting how specific dietary fatty acids can enhance the immune system's ability to fight cancer.
The team found that a healthy fatty acid found in olive oil and nuts, called oleic acid (OA), enhances the power of immune γδ-T cells, specialized cells known for their cancer-fighting properties. They also found that another fatty acid, called palmitic acid (PA), commonly found in palm oil and fatty meats, diminishes the ability of these immune cells to attack tumours.
Olive oil and avocados: Rich in oleic acid
Professor Tu Wenwei, from HKU's Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, who led the study, emphasized the importance of dietary oleic acid. "For cancer patients, this discovery suggests simple changes, like eating more foods rich in OA (such as olive oil, avocados, and nuts) and cutting back on PA (found in processed foods, palm oil, and fatty meats), could improve the effectiveness of cancer treatments," Tu said.
The team also highlighted the potential for developing new drugs targeting oleic acid metabolism to enhance γδ-T cell therapies. Combining nutritional interventions with immunotherapy could offer cancer patients improved therapeutic results.
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