•Thiamin is needed for ribose production, transketolase
enzyme, TKTL
•
•Ribose is a constituent of RNA and DNA and needed for
cell growth
•
•Tumours ferment glucose to produce lactate and ribose in
anaerobic conditions - Warburg
effect
•
•Some cancers upregulate mutated transketolase transcript
(TKTL1) and this may allow
enhanced oxygen-independent growth
•
•Strong expression of TKTL1 in colon and urothelial
cancers is associated with a poorer
prognosis
•
•Anti-thiamin agents are being develop for cancer
treatment
•
•But malnourished cancer patients may develop thiamin
deficiency
•
•Ref Langbein et al British
Journal of Cancer (2006)94;578-58