A little squeeze may be all that it takes to prevent malignant breast cells triggering cancer, research has shown.<\/p>\n
Laboratory experiments showed that applying physical pressure to the cells guided them back to a normal growth pattern.<\/p>\n
Scientists do not envisage fighting breast cancer with a new range of compression bras, but they believe the research provides clues that could lead to new treatments.<\/p>\n
“People have known for centuries that physical force can influence our bodies,” said Gautham Venugopalan, a leading member of the research team at the University of California in Berkeley, United States.<\/p>\n
“When we lift weights our muscles get bigger. The force of gravity is essential to keeping our bones strong. Here we show that physical force can play a role in the growth – and reversion – of cancer cells.”<\/p>\n
The study involved growing malignant breast epithelial cells within a gel injected into flexible silicone chambers. This allowed the scientists to apply compression during the first stages of cell growth, effectively squashing the cells.<\/p>\n
Over time, the squeezed malignant cells began to grow in a more normal and organised way.<\/p>\n
Once the breast tissue structure was formed the cells stopped growing, even when the compressive force was removed. Non-compressed cells continued to display the haphazard and uncontrolled growth that leads to cancer.<\/p>\n
“Malignant cells have not completely forgotten how to be healthy; they just need the right cues to guide them back to a healthy growth pattern,” said Mr Venugopalan, a doctoral student.<\/p>\n
The results were presented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Cell Biology in San Francisco.<\/p>\n
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