Study: Metastasis is affected by wound healing and inflammation in study on mice
This study in mice looked at how wound healing after surgery affects metastasis. Researchers found that wound healing caused changes in the mouse immune system that allowed some cancer cells to grow, but that treatment with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) reduced inflammation and frequency of metastases. While this research is promising, it remains to be seen if similar effects occur in humans. (5/17/18)
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At a glance | In-depth |
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Clinical trials | Resources |
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STUDY AT A GLANCE
This study is about:
Determining if wound healing affects in mice.
Why is this study important?
Breast cancer patients have an elevated risk of metastasis that occurs 6-12 months after surgery to remove primary tumors. Why this increase occurs at this time is unknown. One theory is that some cells from the tumor split off before surgery; inflammation caused by the surgery triggers these cancer cells to grow. Some studies estimate that up to one-third of patients with localized breast cancer may have potential cancer cells that exist in other sites without growing. This study involved mice, where wound healing contributed to an increase in metastasis after surgery.
Study findings:
This study has two major findings:
- Wound healing without tumor removal is sufficient to allow growth of cancer cells at distant sites in mice.
- Treatment with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (
) reduced the growth of distant cancer cells in mice.
What does this mean for me?
This early research in mice suggests that the risk of metastasis observed 6-12 months after breast cancer surgery might be due to a patient’s inflammatory immune response. These studies must be confirmed by further research in mice and human patients through clinical trials before the potential impact on clinical treatment is understood.
NSAIDS including ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), aspirin, naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib (Celebrex) among others and are some of the most commonly used pain medications. One of the side effects of NSAIDS is a reduction in normal blood clotting and an increased risk for bleeding. Because of this risk, many surgeons recommend that patients stop NSAID use before surgery. Use can usually be resumed 1-2 weeks after surgery. It is important to follow all pre- and post- surgery instructions and check with your doctors before taking any medications.
Clinical trials looking at NSAIDs and breast surgery in humans have begun. If you are being treated for breast cancer, you might consider learning if there is a clinical trial enrolling patients near you.
Posted 5/17/18
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References
Krall JA, Reinhardt F, Mercury OA, et al. "The systemic response to surgery triggers the outgrowth of distant immune-controlled tumors in mouse models of dormancy." Science Translational Medicine. 2018;10 (436).
Disclosure
FORCE receives funding from industry sponsors, including companies that manufacture cancer drugs, tests and devices. All XRAYS articles are written independently of any sponsor and are reviewed by members of our Scientific Advisory Board prior to publication to assure scientific integrity.
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- Other organizations that offer breast cancer support:
Updated: 05/07/2024
Who covered this study?
Everyday Health
Can surgery to remove cancer spread the disease? A study in mice suggests that it can—and considers an easy-to-take therapy that may help avoid the problem
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STAT
Cancer surgery can awaken tumor cells, but in mice a cheap pill stops metastasis
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USA Today
Healing process after breast cancer surgery may trigger spread of cancer,” study says
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