Israeli researchers have discovered a biological pathway linking heart disease to cancer, shedding new light on the relationship between these two serious health conditions. Contrary to previous beliefs, the study reveals that extracellular bubbles released by the heart post-heart attack play a significant role in elevating cancer risk. These bubbles contain growth factors that inadvertently promote cancer cell growth throughout the body, impacting immune responses conducive to tumor development.
Lead researcher Professor Yonatan Lior emphasized the significance of this finding, highlighting the potential implications for cancer in heart disease patients. By inhibiting the formation of these extracellular bubbles, researchers observed a significant reduction in cancer risk, opening up new possibilities for intervention strategies. Administering spironolactone, a common drug for heart failure, proved effective in slowing down cancerous tumor growth by limiting the secretion of these harmful bubbles.
Further research is necessary to validate these findings and explore potential biomarkers among heart patients to identify those at higher risk for cancer. The study provides a crucial step forward in understanding the complex relationship between heart disease and cancer, offering hope for improved screening and preventive measures to safeguard patients’ health.
