Avocado could aid bid to beat leukaemia

THE humble avocado could hold the key to beating deadly blood cancer leukaemia, scientists have revealed.

It contains a unique molecule able to slow down or even destroy the process that is critical for cancer cell growth.

Researchers focused on acute myeloid leukaemia, the most devastating form of the white blood cell cancer.

Most cases occur in people over age 65 and fewer than 10 per cent of patients survive five years after diagnosis.

Leukaemia cells have higher amounts of an enzyme called VLCAD involved in their cell growth.

The team at the University of Guelph in Canada screened numerous compounds looking for any substance that might stop the enzyme in its tracks.

They discovered avocatin B, which is only found in avocados, was able to inhibit the enzyme that allowed the growth of the cancer cells.

The team had already identified a potential use for the fat molecule in preventing diabetes and managing obesity, and now they are hoping to try it out on leukaemia patients.

Dr Paul Spagnuolo, from the department of food science, said: “This is the first time VLCAD has been identified as a target in any cancer.

“VLCAD can be a good marker to identify patients suitable for this type of therapy. It can also be a marker to measure the activity of the drug.

“That sets the stage for the eventual use of this molecule in human clinical trials.”