Breast Cancer: Epoxides Block Metastases
Breast Cancer: Stopping Metastasis with Epoxides
Epoxides are molecules derived from Omega-3 that inhibit the formation of breast cancer metastases by blocking the movement of breast cancer cells. This discovery was made by researchers at the University of Sydney (Australia), led by Dr. Michael Murray. The results were previewed by the university’s communications office1.
Benefits of Omega-3 for Health
Omega-3 fatty acids are abundant especially in fish such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna. Years of research have shown that these nutrients can reduce both inflammation and the risk of developing chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and arthritis.
Preventing Tumors with Omega-3
Several studies highlight how these fatty acids protect against certain types of tumors. Beyond breast cancer, consuming fish rich in these nutrients helps reduce the incidence of:
- colon cancer
- prostate cancer
Combining the consumption of these nutrients with chemo- or radiotherapy further increases treatment effectiveness. Murray stated that these results have "convinced" many people to consume fish rich in Omega-3 to prevent tumor development.
Breast Cancer Metastasis: A New Hope
Preventing tumor formation is only one of many aspects in the fight against cancer. Another key point is to understand how to block metastasis formation, the spread of tumors to parts of the body different from the original cancer site. This process requires cancer cells to be able to move and adhere to membranes. Previous studies indicate that Omega-3 inhibit this ability. These fatty acids also interfere with molecules that allow cancer cells to cross membranes.
Anti-metastatic Action of Omega-3
Murray and colleagues further explored the anti-metastatic activity of Omega-3. They demonstrated the ability of epoxides, molecules produced by the body from these nutrients, to inhibit the movement of tumor cells. Their experiments were conducted on tissue samples from breast cancer, a cancer form where metastasis formation is a major risk for patient survival. Murray outlined the dual short-term goals of the research:
- accelerate the development of anti-metastatic drugs derived from Omega-3 epoxides;
- test their actual effectiveness.
The researchers' ultimate aim is to create a completely new class of molecules specifically designed to inhibit the spread of tumor masses.
Source
