There are two schools of thought when combating cancer and attempting to cure patients. The therapist will introduce measures in the tumor blood vessels since it is a pinpointed to nurture the mass. On the contrary, others will try to boost the immune system to make the tumor threat insignificant. However, a new study reveals that both the blood vessels and the immune system functions are linked.
According to corresponding author Dr. Xiang Zhang of Baylor College of Medicine, the tumor may eventually develop resistance to treatments. As the growing mass develops, they also form new tumor blood vessels so they can siphon the needed nutrient during progression. One therapy is to block these vessels. However, Zhang stressed that this kind of treatment will only retard the cancer cells' growth but not really kill the mass.
To make the matter worse, Zhang discovered that under tumor environment, the cancer cells are employing the aid of other cells that are native to the body. The supposed immune system is then communicating with the tumor blood vessels, the Science Daily explained. Apparently, the body's own line of defense is aiding the threat themselves.
Here is another catch, cancer cells are escaping from the tumor blood vessels to scour for nutrients. In the first place, tumor blood vessels are not as efficient as normal blood vessels. They intend to absorb limited blood and in turn, pushes the cancer cells to escape starvation.
Ironically, Zhang suggests that boosting the tumor blood vessels into a "normal" functionality might prove beneficial. If tumor blood vessels are performing well, the cancer cells will never have a reason to escape. Zhang believes that this strategy is going to prohibit cancer progression since cancer cells are unlikely to spread. The foremost benefit is a targeted cancer treatment like chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy.
Finally, Zhang hopes that their works will lead to a new method of combating the spread of cancer cells and tumor progression. He added that the two common therapies, tumor blood vessel, and immunotherapy, may work together for an improved medical approach.
