A new study reveals that the physical force of a beating heart can significantly inhibit cancer cell growth and spread. This finding may explain the rarity of heart cancer and could pave the way for novel mechanical therapies against other forms of the disease.
Researchers found that the mechanical load exerted by heartbeats limits cancerous cells' ability to multiply. Experiments with lab mice showed that cancer cells implanted in beating hearts proliferated far less than those in "unloaded" hearts that were not actively pumping. Similar results were observed in rat heart tissue cultures, where reduced mechanical load led to increased cancer growth.
The study identified specific epigenetic markers tied to tumor growth that are reduced by heartbeats. Nesprin-2 was pinpointed as a key factor; deactivating it in beating heart tissue accelerated cancer proliferation. This indicates that mechanical forces external to the tumor can broadly affect its behavior.
Serena Zacchigna, the study's lead author, is working on developing external bands that can replicate the force of a heartbeat around tumors. The team aims to begin clinical trials within four years. They are also exploring drug-based approaches that could mimic the epigenetic effects of heartbeats without mechanical stimulation.
Independent experts acknowledge the "consequential importance" of these findings, suggesting potential applications not only for cancer but also for targeted heart tissue regeneration. However, challenges remain, including confirming the safety of mechanical stimulation and understanding the precise interaction between surrounding tissue properties and cellular response to mechanical forces.