Ovarian cancer is particularly dangerous because it often goes unnoticed until it has already spread beyond the ovaries, and its symptoms can be attributed to various other conditions. Scientists believe that the aging process may contribute to the spread of ovarian and other cancers, but the precise mechanisms remain unclear (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Ageing in cells may boost ovarian cancer spread

Go to source

).

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have now discovered that ovarian cancer cells exhibit a greater tendency to spread in aged or senescent tissues. This is due to these tissues secreting a unique extracellular matrix that attracts the cancer cells, facilitating their spread. The study, published in ‘Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences,’ utilized a chemotherapy-induced senescent model for investigation.

Senescence and its Impact on Cancer Outcomes

The team treated tissues from the lining of body cavities in mice models with cancer-fighting drugs, inducing senescence—a state where cells cease replication but don’t die. By exposing both young and aged tissues, along with human tissue-like cell sheets, to ovarian cancer cells and using time-lapse imaging, they observed that cancer cells preferred settling on aged tissues, especially in proximity to aged normal cells.

The researchers explored whether signaling molecules emitted by aged cells were drawing the cancer cells, but computer models revealed it was the proteins secreted by aged cells, forming the extracellular matrix (ECM), that played a pivotal role. The ECM acted as a base for cancer cells to adhere and proliferate more efficiently.

Experiments on human cell lines confirmed these findings, indicating that cancer cells adhered strongly to the aged ECM, displacing the aged cells. The aged ECM contained higher levels of specific proteins, such as fibronectin, laminin, and hyaluronan, enabling stronger binding of cancer cells.

Exploring Matrix Proteins and Senolytic Drugs for Innovative Cancer Treatments

The study suggests that this mechanism might contribute to the poorer outcomes in cancer among aged populations compared to younger ones. The researchers propose that careful use of chemotherapy is crucial, as chemotherapy itself induces senescence, potentially exacerbating the situation. They recommend exploring probes to identify matrix proteins, aiding in predicting cancer cell deposition in tissues.

Looking ahead, the researchers suggest further studies to support the use of senolytic drugs, which eliminate senescent cells, as a combination therapy with chemotherapy to address cancer progression.

Reference:

1. Ageing in cells may boost ovarian cancer spread – (https://iisc.ac.in/events/ageing-in-cells-may-boost-ovarian-cancer-spread/)

Source-Medindia