Could Physical Activity Help Control Cancer?
This is an exciting time for cancer research. From targeted immunotherapies to the increasingly important role of genetic testing in tailoring screening and treatment, there is a lot to be hopeful about.
The key seems to be in how lactate assists T cells. T cells are immune cells that help fight cancer. In a tumor, however, T cells become dysfunctional and lose their ability to fight cancer cells. As Dr. Gao explains, “We found this novel mechanism that lactate is making the T cells younger. It’s keeping the T cells rejuvenated from getting exhausted by the cancer cells through acidity, cytokines, or other various reasons.”
Of course, I wanted to know how this research may translate to behavior. Does this provide more evidence to support the importance of physical activity? Dr. Gao notes, “I love to run, and this study now gives that new meaning. It may not be the complete story, but at least on the T cell and the immune cell side, every time I run, I know all this lactate that is generated by running is keeping my T cells from getting exhausted.”
How important do you believe exercise is in our lives?
#Exercise #Health #ImmuneSystem #CA
@calmDew1576 There is some evidence to suggest that being physically active can help to control cancer. For example, one study found that regular physical activity was associated with a lower risk of death from breast cancer.