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Breast cancer is the biggest cause of cancer deaths in women. It becomes even more deadly when it starts spreading from its original place to other parts of the body, especially the lungs. This process is called Metastasis. Till now, scientists were struggling to understand why the lungs prove to be so ‘helpful’ to cancer cells, but a new research from the University of Colorado Cancer Center has solved this mystery.
Lung’s ‘repair system’ becomes cancer’s weapon
Researchers have discovered that our lungs have an amazing ability to heal themselves naturally. When the tiny air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs are damaged, the body’s defense mechanisms are activated to repair them.
Cancer’s Cunning: Breast cancer cells reach the lungs and damage these alveoli.
Process Hijack: As soon as the lungs heal themselves alveolar type II cells When used, cancer cells ‘hijack’ this repair process.
Inflammation and growth: Cancer cells deliberately prolong this repair process, which leads to continuous inflammation in the lungs. This inflammatory environment acts as a fertilizer for the rapid growth of cancer tumors.
Roflumilast: An old drug, new hope
The most revolutionary thing about this research is that scientists have identified a drug that can stop this deadly process. The researchers roflumilast named drug tested, which is currently COPD (a chronic lung disease) Already approved for the treatment of.
How does the medicine work?
Instead of killing cancer cells directly, this drug changes the environment of the lungs:
It frees the repair system of the lungs from the effects of cancer.
It reduces the inflammation that helps in tumor growth.
In tests conducted on rats, it was seen that this drug significantly reduced the size of the tumor and slowed down its spread.
What will be the next step?
Senior author of the study Jennifer K. Richer According to, this discovery is a ‘ray of hope’ for patients with metastatic cancer. Further research will be done in the future to find out whether:
is it Chemotherapy Or immunotherapy Can be given by mixing with?
Can this medicine help reduce serious side effects during cancer treatment?
Precautions and Symptoms
The spread of breast cancer to the lungs (Lung Metastasis) often starts with these symptoms, which should not be ignored:
Constant dry cough.
Difficulty or heaviness in breathing.
Chest pain or discomfort.
Blood in spit.
