New research suggests that continuous exposure to cold temperatures can impede the growth of cancerous cells by activating brown fat cells and depleting their main energy source, glucose. A study conducted on mice and one person with Hodgkin’s lymphoma demonstrated that cold therapy significantly inhibited tumour growth and improved survival rates. By altering the body’s metabolism through cold exposure, researchers achieved a novel approach to combating cancer. However, further research is needed to validate these findings and address potential challenges, such as interactions with chemotherapy drugs and individual variations in brown fat response.
In the study conducted at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, researchers implanted five different types of cancerous cells into a group of mice. Some mice were continuously exposed to very low temperatures, just above freezing, for 20 days. This exposure activated the mice’s brown fat tissue, which burned energy instead of storing it, thereby reducing the energy supply to the tumours. As a result, these mice exhibited substantial tumour inhibition and a nearly doubled survival rate compared to untreated mice. The study showcased a novel approach that focuses on altering global metabolism in the body to affect tumours indirectly.
To validate the results, the researchers implemented additional interventions. They surgically removed the brown fat from the cold-exposed mice or turned off the gene responsible for brown fat heat generation. In both cases, tumour inhibition was absent, confirming the crucial role of brown fat activation. Furthermore, feeding the mice a high-glucose diet eliminated the inhibition, suggesting that tumour growth was hindered due to a lack of glucose availability. Genetic analysis of the cold-exposed tumours also revealed a decrease in markers associated with glucose consumption.
While the results show promising potential, further research is necessary to fully understand the implications for human patients. Katiuscia Bianchi from the Barts Cancer Institute in London emphasizes the need for additional studies involving animals and humans with tumours. Additionally, the potential interaction between cold therapy and chemotherapy drugs needs to be explored to ensure compatibility and avoid any negative effects on treatment outcomes. Furthermore, the individual variations in brown fat response to cold therapy and the risk of excessive weight loss in individuals with advanced cancer are challenges that need to be addressed before implementing this approach in a clinical setting.
In conclusion, cold exposure has shown promising results in inhibiting tumour growth by targeting the glucose stores that cancer cells rely on. This novel approach, which focuses on altering global metabolism through activating brown fat cells, has demonstrated significant tumour inhibition and improved survival rates in mice. However, further research is required to validate these findings, assess potential interactions with chemotherapy, and address individual variations and risks associated with brown fat response. Cold therapy may offer a complementary strategy in the fight against cancer, but its application in clinical settings necessitates careful consideration and investigation.