Hibernation How Cancer Cells Utilise Strategies

Hibernation – how cancer cells utilise strategies used by mice and bears to survive

Treatment of cancer can be split into two different categories – targeting and destroy rapidly dividing cells via chemo or radiotherapy, or target cells expressing cancer markers via immunotherapy. During treatment, the efficacy of chemo, radio or immunotherapy can be determined by looking at cancer biomarkers in the blood, or by re-scanning the patient to look at cancer activity. A reduction in these markers can give us assurances that the cancer is being treated, but this isn’t always the case. Recurrence or relapse is always an issue, and it is something we do not understand well.

Research so far has revealed that different types of cancer use different techniques to achieve dormancy and hide from the immune system. Some hide in fatty tissue, others achieve an equilibrium with the body’s immune system. Breast cancer cells have been found to undergo dormancy when exposed to some medications. This is similar to the hibernation state found in animals, and this is not just an apt metaphor.

The experiment looked at human colorectal cancer cells treated with chemotherapy. When exposed to chemotherapy agents, cancer cells were induced into a slow dividing state, able to survive with little nutrition. The gene expression of this state closely resembled that of mouse embryos when they undergo embryonic hibernation.

This embryonic hibernation is seen in over 100 types of mammals and is usually triggered when the mother is exposed to unfavourable environments when pregnant. Embryonic development is paused until a time when conditions become more favourable for pregnancy and birth. When entering hibernation, embryos undergo a cellular process called autophagy – where the cells essentially devour proteins inside the cell to survive. This same process was found in the dormant cancer cells, and when the autophagy mechanism was inhibited, the cancer cells failed to remain dormant and were ultimately destroyed by the chemotherapy.

This gives an interesting insight into how cancer cells utilise evolutionary strategy found in other mammals, intrinsic to our cellular makeup but not utilised by humans during reproduction, pregnancy or birth. Yet this conserved strategy provides cancer cells with another defence mechanism to survive against destruction by modern medicine. Understanding these mechanisms is key to improving the efficacy of our oncological treatment.

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Measles: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects children but can occur in adults as well. It is caused by the measles virus and can lead to severe complications if not managed properly. Understanding measles causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention is crucial in reducing the spread of this disease.

What Causes Measles?

Measles is caused by the measles virus, which belongs to the paramyxovirus family. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Measles is highly contagious, with a 90% transmission rate among unvaccinated individuals exposed to an infected person.

Symptoms of Measles

The early signs of measles in children and adults typically appear 7-14 days after exposure to the virus. Common measles symptoms include:

High fever (up to 104°F)
Cough, runny nose, and red eyes
Koplik spots (tiny white spots inside the mouth)
Red rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body
Fatigue and body aches

If left untreated, measles can cause serious complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis (brain inflammation), and blindness.

How Is Measles Treated in Adults and Children?

There is no specific antiviral measles treatment, but supportive care can help manage symptoms. Treatment includes:

Fever reducers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen
Hydration and rest to help the body recover
Vitamin A supplementation, especially in malnourished children, to reduce complications
Hospitalization, in severe cases, to manage complications such as pneumonia

Measles Prevention Strategies

The best way to prevent measles is through vaccination. Other measles prevention strategies include:

Avoiding close contact with infected individuals
Regular hand washing to reduce viral transmission
Wearing masks in outbreak-prone areas
Ensuring proper ventilation in living and working spaces

Measles Vaccine Schedule

The measles vaccination schedule is part of routine immunization programs worldwide. The MMR vaccine (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) is administered as follows:

First dose at 9-12 months (varies by country)
Second dose at 15-18 months or before school entry
Booster doses may be required in some cases

Vaccination provides lifelong immunity and significantly reduces the risk of outbreaks.

Conclusion

Measles is a preventable yet serious disease. Understanding measles causes and symptoms, knowing how measles is treated in adults and children, and following measles prevention strategies can help control its spread. The measles vaccine schedule plays a crucial role in protecting individuals and communities from this contagious infection.