With a lot of discussion going around space and
microgravity
let’s discuss an important connection between a life threatening condition and its status in space. Studies suggest that cancer cells might grow faster in microgravity environments. This discovery has significant implications for both space travel and
cancer research
.
The relationship between
cancer
cells and microgravity highlights a critical intersection between space exploration and medical research.
What is microgravity and how does it accelerate cancerous growth?
Microgravity, or the condition of near-weightlessness experienced in space, occurs when objects are in free fall, creating a sensation of weightlessness. This environment is drastically different from Earth's gravity and affects various biological processes. In space, the absence of gravity influences how cells grow, behave, and interact with their surroundings.
Research indicates that cancer cells exposed to microgravity tend to proliferate more rapidly than those on Earth after being under immense stress. Several mechanisms might contribute to this accelerated growth. For one, microgravity affects cellular signaling pathways that control cell division and apoptosis (programmed cell death). In a weightless environment, cancer cells may become more resistant to apoptosis, allowing them to survive and proliferate unchecked.
How will this shape cancer research?
The study of cancer in microgravity also offers unique opportunities for advancing cancer research on Earth. By studying cancer cells in this altered environment, scientists can gain insights into the fundamental processes of cancer progression and resistance. This research may lead to the identification of new therapeutic targets and the development of novel treatments.
In 2023, scientists at University of California San Diego Sanford Stem Cell Institute launched several new nanobioreactor experiments onto the International Space Station (ISS) via the second Axiom Space Private Astronaut Mission, Axiom Mission 2 (Ax-2). The latest experiments expand their research on human stem cell aging, inflammation and cancer in low Earth orbit, the University had said in an official statement.
“Space is a uniquely stressful environment,” said Catriona Jamieson, MD, PhD, professor at UC San Diego School of Medicine, Koman Family Presidential Endowed Chair in Cancer Research at UC San Diego Health and director of the Sanford Stem Cell Institute. “By conducting these experiments in low Earth orbit, we are able to understand mechanisms of cancer evolution in a compressed time frame and inform the development of new cancer stem cell inhibitory strategies.”
NASA, which is also a part of the first-ever Cancer Cabinet set up by the White House for the project Cancer Moonshot, which aims to reduce the cancer death rate by at least 50 percent over the next 25 years, says space station provides a unique advantage – the microgravity environment – for studies seeking to better understand and treat many different types of cancers.
"A detailed look at the early decades of cancer research in space highlighted the benefits of microgravity: cells grow into 3D forms that behave much as they do in the body, cell growth and function such as gene expression and cell signaling are different, and cell cultures experience lack of sedimentation and reduced fluid shear. These conditions make it possible to study mechanisms and pathways that control growth and function of cancer-related cells in ways that are not possible on Earth," NASA had said in a 2023 report. It talks about tissue chips and protein crystal growth in the report.
Cancer is largely preventable: Dr Anil D’Cruz
"Protein crystal growth (PCG) is another major area of cancer-related study in microgravity. The NanoRacks-PCG Therapeutic Discovery and On-Orbit Crystals investigations, for example, made advances in research on leukemia, breast cancer, and skin cancers. Protein crystals grown in microgravity produce larger, better-organized crystals that researchers can use to determine structural details that guide the development of targeted treatments. Another PCG experiment looked at the KRAS gene. Mutations of this gene drive 30 to 40% of all cancers, including about 95% of pancreatic cancers," the report adds.
Cancer causes nearly 10 million deaths globally every year
Cancer has touched almost everyone's life directly or indirectly. In 2020, as per the records of the World Health Organisation (WHO) cancer had claimed nearly 10 million lives.
There are many types of cancer, each originating from different tissues or organs, including breast, lung, prostate, and colon cancers. While the specific causes of cancer can vary, common risk factors include genetic mutations, lifestyle choices like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and environmental exposures such as radiation and certain chemicals. As per the WHO the most common cancers are breast, lung, colon and rectum and prostate cancers and around one-third of deaths from cancer are due to tobacco use, high body mass index, alcohol consumption, low fruit and vegetable intake, and lack of physical activity. In addition, air pollution is an important risk factor for lung cancer.
Early detection and treatment are crucial for improving cancer outcomes. Advances in medical research have led to better diagnostic tools, targeted therapies, and personalized treatment plans that can increase survival rates and quality of life for patients. Despite these advancements, cancer remains a significant global health challenge, highlighting the need for continued research, early screening, and public health initiatives to combat this complex disease.
