Omega-3 Fatty Acids Suppress Growth of SW620 Human Colon Cancer Xenografts in Nude Mice

Aim: The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of fish oil on growth of colon cancer in nude mice. Materials and Methods: Xenografts were initiated in mice receiving a standard diet or diets modified with corn or fish oil. After 3 weeks, mice were sacrificed, tumours were removed and processed for lipid analysis, histopathology and high resolution magic angle spinning magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Results: Diet modified with fish oil suppressed tumour growth. Xenografts from mice receiving fish oil had higher levels of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) with concomitant reduced levels of omega-6 PUFAs. Furthermore, these xenografts had significantly lower levels of phosphocholine. Overall the results indicated less aggressive tumour growth in mice receiving a fish oil diet.