Nicotinamide Riboside Slows Liver Cancer Growth and Metastasis: Preclinical Findings

Synopsis

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) metabolism has emerged as a target in cancer treatment. This study evaluated the effects of nicotinamide riboside (NR), a NAD+ precursor, on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression using three mouse models, including xenograft and allograft tumors and hematogenous metastasis. NR supplementation reduced cancer-associated weight loss and decreased metastasis to lungs, bones, and liver. It also reduced primary tumor size and prolonged survival in immune-competent mice. In cultured liver cancer cells, NR inhibited cell migration and invasion induced by TGF-β, a factor promoting cancer spread. Together, these results provide strong evidence that boosting NAD+ levels via NR supplementation may slow HCC growth and metastasis and offer a promising treatment strategy.

Journal

Nutrients