Compound Derived From Cod Inhibits The Spread Of Cancer In Lab Study

Following the trend of researching natural dietary products that could have anti-tumor potential, a U.S. study in lab animals has found that a peptide (protein) found in Pacific cod seems to inhibit the metastasis of prostate cancer. Polar fish, such as northern cod, express glycoproteins rich in an antigen that protects them from freezing. Using a special form of the antigen purified from Pacific cod, the researchers observed that it  prevents cancer cells from attaching to vessel walls – inhibiting spreading – and suppresses T-cell death, boosting the immune response. They said an understanding of how the antigens work could lead to development of foods that act as cancer therapeutics and agents for immunotherapy.