Beating Heart May Halt Cancer Growth, Spurring Mechanical Therapy
A new study shows the mechanical force of heartbeats slows cancer growth by altering tumor cell gene activity. In mice and lab tissue, beating hearts reduced cancer proliferation and epigenetic markers linked to growth, with Nesprin-2 identified as a key sensor of heartbeat-induced forces. This points to potential mechanical therapies (like bands applying heartbeat-like force) or drugs that mimic the effect, though safety and timing must be established before human use.
