THE ESSENTIAL
- Metastatic cancer is characterized by the migration of cancer cells from a primary cancer to other organs and/or to lymph nodes.
- Metastatic cancer can develop several years following the diagnosis and treatment of the primary cancer.
It is well known: the practice of regular physical activity is beneficial for morale and health. Certain sports might also reduce the risk of certain diseases.
Aerobic exercises reduce the risk of metastatic cancer
According to a new study from the University of Tel Aviv (Israel), aerobic exercises (cycling, running, dancing, jumping rope) that stimulate endurance and cardio reduce 72% the risk of developing metastatic cancer, in other words a primary cancer that has spread to other organs or lymph nodes. Scientists have observed that high-intensity aerobic exercise increases glucose consumption by internal organs and thus decreases the amount of energy available to the tumor. This work was published in the scientific journal Cancer Research.
To reach this conclusion, the researchers analyzed the data of 3,000 people followed during an epidemiological study for 20 years. They then found that the risk of developing metastatic cancer was significantly lower in volunteers who reported practicing regular, high-intensity aerobic exercise compared to other participants.
In a second step, the people responsible for the study examined mice trained in aerobic exercises. They took samples of the rodents’ internal organs before and following physical exercises, but also following the injection of metastatic cancer. According to their results, aerobic activity significantly reduces the development of metastatic tumors in the lymph nodes, lungs and liver.
Physical activity adapted to cancer prevention
“By examining the cells of these organs, we found an increase in the number of glucose receptors during high-intensity aerobic exercise, which increases glucose consumption and turns the organs into veritable energy-consuming machines. energy, just like the muscles (…) We speculate that this happens because the organs have to compete for sugar resources with the muscles, which are known to burn large amounts of glucose during physical exercise. develops, fierce competition for glucose reduces the availability of energy that is essential for metastasis.”explained Professor Carmit Levy, co-author of the study and researcher at the Department of Human Genetics and Biochemistry at Tel Aviv University.
In the future, the researchers hope to develop “personalized medicine” for each patient in order to prevent the appearance of certain cancers. “Doctors might look at family history to recommend the appropriate type of physical activity. It should be emphasized that physical exercise, with its unique metabolic and physiological effects, has a higher level of cancer prevention than any drug or medical intervention. nowadays”, said Dr. Yftach Gepne, study co-author and researcher at Tel Aviv University’s School of Public Health and Sports Institute.