New Study Reveals How Chronic Stress Accelerates Colorectal Cancer Spread
October 14, 2024
A recent study conducted in China reveals that chronic stress significantly accelerates the spread of colorectal cancer by disrupting the gut microbiota, the complex balance of beneficial and harmful bacteria in the digestive system. This research, set to be presented at UEG Week 2024 in Vienna, highlights the critical role of gut health in cancer progression.
The study’s lead investigator, Dr. Qing Li, and her team found that chronic stress not only promotes tumor growth but also diminishes the presence of beneficial bacteria, particularly those in the Lactobacillus genus, which are crucial for a healthy immune response against cancer. To investigate this phenomenon, researchers injected an antibiotic cocktail into two groups of mice—one subjected to chronic stress and the other not. Both groups exhibited weakened immune defenses against cancer, according to the findings.
After 11 weeks, all the mice developed intestinal tumors. Following this, researchers euthanized the mice to analyze the tumor characteristics using specialized chemical dyes. The chronic stress was induced in mice by subjecting them to restraint for six hours daily, a common method for studying stress in rodent models. This method simulates adverse living conditions, such as overcrowding and frustration.
The researchers also explored the effects of reintroducing healthy gut bacteria into the stressed mice, discovering that this intervention resulted in a significant reduction in tumor formation. These findings suggest a potential treatment avenue that combines beneficial gut bacteria with traditional anti-cancer medications for patients experiencing chronic stress.
Dr. Li emphasized the importance of addressing the mental state of cancer patients, noting that high levels of worry often correlate with poorer health outcomes. The research highlights that while it’s natural for patients to feel anxious following a cancer diagnosis, managing stress and maintaining a positive mindset can be beneficial.
Colorectal cancer remains a major health issue in Europe, being the second most prevalent cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. The researchers plan to further their study by collecting stool and tumor samples from colorectal cancer patients, aiming to analyze the impact of chronic stress on gut microbiota.
Medical experts, including Dr. Olatunji Alese from Emory University, commend the study for contributing to the understanding of how chronic stress can adversely affect cancer progression. While these findings are preclinical, they raise the possibility of future therapeutic interventions. However, Dr. Jeffrey Meyerhardt from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute cautions that confirming these results in human subjects is essential before considering clinical applications.
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