A new way cancer cells trick the brain: shocking findings from study
A recent study has revealed that tumours use a new mechanism to control the body’s defence system and boost their own growth. According to the research, cancer cells connect with nearby sensory nerves and send a “shutdown” signal to the brain. As a result, the activity of immune cells that fight cancer is reduced, allowing tumours to grow without resistance.
The study, published in the journal Nature, was conducted using mice with lung cancer. Scientists identified a signalling pathway that travels from the tumour to the brain and then back to the tumour site. Researchers say the tumours “hijack” this pathway and use it to promote their own growth.
In the study, when certain sensory neurons were genetically inactivated, tumour growth dropped dramatically. In some cases, the reduction was more than 50%, the researchers reported. This is considered a significant discovery that highlights the relationship between the nervous system and cancer growth.
Although scientists had previously known that nerve cells exist within tumours, it was difficult to understand how they influence tumour survival. This is because nerve cells are long and complex, making it hard to collect their genetic information during tumour biopsies.
Researchers believe this new discovery could open up fresh approaches to cancer treatment. In particular, therapies that target nerve signalling pathways may help reactivate the immune system and improve the body’s ability to control cancer.
