Enhanced Milieu Key to Cancer Survival

A study conducted by the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center has remarkable implications for cancer survival; the researchers found that mice with malignant cancer cells fare much better when living in an enriched environment.

Study Details

For the research, mice were placed in one of two living environments; some in traditional cages containing a total of five mice, others in more challenging surroundings.  The challenged mice lived in larger cages with 18-22 mice, which provided them rich social interaction.  Additionally, they were given challenging toys, running wheels, and nesting material.

The results are astounding.  According to Scientific American, after being injected with cancerous tumor cells, the mice in the “simpler” living arrangement developed malignancies within 15 days.  The mice in the larger cages developed cancer much later; some didn’t show signs of malignancy after three weeks. 

Their environments also affected tumor size; those mice in the socially enriched cages had lesions 43% smaller than the control animals.

The online journal Cell reports that the researchers discovered higher levels of stress hormone in the mice living in an augmented setting.  Another hormone finding:  the team found a 90% drop in the hormone leptin, which is produced by fat and assists in regulating the metabolism.  Higher levels of leptin have been linked to an increased risk of melanoma, breast and prostate cancers.

Study Implications

The results of the study provide researchers with a profound new understanding of the impact that social interaction and mental state have on cancer recovery.  The Ohio State team noted that physical activity, although important, did not account for the entire well-being of the challenged mice.  Matthew During, team lead for the study, stated that mice that merely exercised more did not reap the same benefits.

Lance Armstrong:  Icon of Cancer Survival

The study results will likely influence treatment programs of cancer patients everywhere.  At this point, probably no one has personally verified the results of the study more than Lance Armstrong, who made a remarkable recovery after being diagnosed with stage 3 testicular cancer in 1996 at the age of 25.

By the time he was diagnosed, the cancer had metastasized to his brain and lungs; he originally sought treatment after coughing up blood.  His prognosis was originally poor.

After a grueling course of chemotherapy, the road racing cyclist went on to win the Tour de France every year from 1999-2005; he’s the only cyclist to win the race seven times.  Currently, Armstrong’s Team RadioShack is getting ready to head up the Alps this weekend in a 2010 bid for the Tour.

For more information on Armstrong’s journey, as well as cutting edge cancer news, see the Lance Armstrong Foundation website.