Breast cancer: epoxides block metastasis
Breast cancer: stop metastasis with epoxides
Epoxides are molecules obtained from Omega three that counteract the formation of breast cancer metastasis by blocking the movement of breast cancer cells. This was discovered by researchers at the University of Sydney, Australia, led by Dr. Micheal Murray. The results of these studies were anticipated by the university's communications office1.
Health benefits of Omega-3s
Omega-3s are fatty acids abundant especially in fish, such as salmon, mackerel and tuna. Years of research show that these nutrients can reduce bothinflammation and the risk of developing chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease andarthritis.
Preventing cancers with omega-3s
Several studies highlight how these fatty acids protect against some forms of cancer. In addition to breast cancer, eating fish rich in these nutrients helps reduce the incidence of:
- colon cancer
- prostate cancer
Combining the consumption of these same nutrients with chemo- or radiation therapy then allows for increased treatment efficacy. Murray said these findings have "convinced" many people to consume fish rich in Omega-3s to prevent the onset of cancer.
Breast cancer metastasis: a new hope
Preventing tumor formation is only one of several aspects of the fight against cancer. Another key issue is trying to figure out how to prevent metastasis formation, which is theexpansion of the tumor into areas of the body other than the one already affected by the malignancy. This process requires cancer cells to be able to move and adhere to membranes: previous studies indicate that Omega-3s inhibit the latter ability. These fatty acids also interfere with the activity of molecules that allow cancer elements to cross membranes.
Antimetastasis action of omega-3s
Murray and colleagues further deepened their understanding of theantimetastatic activity of Omega-3s. They demonstrated the ability of epoxides, molecules produced by the body from these very nutrients, to counteract cancer cell movement. Their experiments were conducted on tissues taken from breast cancer, a form of cancer in which metastasis formation is a major risk to patients' lives. Murray explained the dual short-term goal of the research:
- Speed up the development of antimetastatic drugs from Omega-3 epoxides;
- test their real effectiveness.
The researchers' ultimate goal, however, is to obtain an entirely new class of molecules designed specifically to inhibit the spread of tumor masses.
Source
