Protein-lean diet slows liver cancer in diseased livers, mouse study suggests

Rutgers-led scientists in Science Advances show that in mice with liver impairment, reducing dietary protein slowed liver tumor growth and extended survival. By impairing ammonia disposal, ammonia increased and was redirected into amino acids and nucleotides that tumors use for growth, suggesting ammonia metabolism fuels cancer in diseased livers. The findings imply that a low-protein diet could lower liver cancer risk or progression for people with liver disease—but doctors caution against self-prescribing such diets, since protein also supports strength during treatment and liver function varies. More research is needed to translate to humans.