Small study links resveratrol and copper to diminished glioblastoma markers, but experts urge caution
Researchers report biological changes in glioblastoma tissue after a short preoperative regimen, but say findings are preliminary and not a treatment directive.
An inexpensive mix of resveratrol and copper showed early biological effects against glioblastoma in a small, preoperative study in Mumbai. Researchers at ACTREC, part of the Tata Memorial Center, studied 20 patients who were scheduled for brain surgery.
Ten patients received a tablet containing resveratrol and copper four times daily for about 12 days before surgery; ten did not receive supplements and served as controls. During surgery, tumor tissue from all participants was collected for analysis, enabling a direct comparison of treated and untreated tumors. The study reported that treated tumors showed a near-complete removal of cell-free chromatin particles, which can promote tumor aggressiveness. They also logged declines in tumor growth activity by about 33 percent, cancer biomarkers by 57 percent, immune-checkpoint signals by 41 percent, and stem-cell markers by 56 percent, with no side effects reported.
Mechanism and rationale: Copper enables resveratrol to generate a burst of reactive molecules that break down DNA debris in tumors, seen as cell-free chromatin particles. Resveratrol is a polyphenol found in red grapes and berries; in combination with copper it appeared to perform differently, helping dissolve harmful DNA fragments. The results have been described as potentially transformative but remain preliminary.
The team said the treatments triggered dramatic biological changes and that the removal of cell-free chromatin particles could be a key to reducing tumor aggressiveness. The authors caution that these were short-term tissue changes and that the tumors did not show visible changes in appearance. They also noted that the interaction of resveratrol and copper with standard glioblastoma therapies remains unknown.
The study had notable limitations: only 20 patients; short duration; no assessment of longer-term outcomes; potential interactions with standard treatments were not explored. Researchers urged replication in larger cohorts before drawing conclusions or recommending self-medication, and they stressed that the approach is not a substitute for established treatments. A Tata Memorial Center statement in 2024 had already cautioned about early resveratrol-copper findings.
Independent experts warned that dietary supplements can pose risks for cancer patients and should be used only under medical supervision. The American Cancer Society notes that resveratrol and similar supplements lack proven anti-cancer effects and may interfere with testing or treatment. Nevertheless, researchers say the approach could spur further investigation into healing-oriented cancer therapies.
The study was published in BJC Reports in September and represents a first step in exploring nutraceutical approaches to glioblastoma biology. Larger, longer, controlled trials are needed to determine safety and efficacy before any clinical recommendations.