Recent studies of scientists from the United States shed light on the unusual and paradoxical effect of chemotherapy, which casts doubt on its effectiveness in the treatment of some forms of cancer. It turned out that in some cases, instead of weakening the tumor, chemotherapy can make the cancer more resistant to drug treatment, and sometimes even promote its growth. This finding opens a new chapter in understanding the effects of chemotherapy on malignant cells and healthy tissue in the body..

unexpected effect of chemotherapy.

Traditionally chemotherapy is considered as a powerful tool in the fight against cancer cells. It should weaken tumors, which makes them more vulnerable to other forms of treatment, such as surgical intervention. However, studies have shown that in some cases, powerful drugs used in chemotherapy not only do not destroy cancer, but can actually stimulate it.. Scientists explain this by saying that the treatment triggers a reaction in healthy cells, which begin to actively produce proteins that protect tumors from drugs..

the role of fibroblasts in tumor development.

Studies conducted in laboratories revealed that chemotherapeutic drugs cause damage to the DNA of healthy cells of connective tissue, known as fibroblasts. These cells begin to produce proteins 30 times more than usual, which contributes to the growth of tumors. This phenomenon was particularly noticeable in prostate, breast, and ovarian tumors, suggesting that some treatment modalities may need to be reconsidered..

Chemotherapy as a tumor growth factor.

It is interesting that this mechanism leads to the opposite effect: the tumor not only retains its resistance to treatment, but also continues to grow. Proteins produced by fibroblasts promote the spread of cancer to neighboring tissues and create a protective barrier around the tumor. As a result, the tumor becomes more resistant to the effects of chemicals, which significantly complicates the healing process..

possibility of increasing the effectiveness of therapy.

Scientists from the Center for Research of Cancer Fred Hatchinson in Seattle offer a solution to this problem. They believe that if they can block the fibroblast response, it will be possible to significantly improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy. This will open new horizons for the fight against cancer and help make treatment more targeted and effective..

exposure to healthy cells.

Studies have shown that chemotherapy affects not only cancer cells, but also on their healthy cells that can either help treatment or become an obstacle. In the ideal case, chemotherapy stimulates healthy immune cells that begin to attack tumors.

However, as the study showed, sometimes these cells become a protective barrier for tumors, which significantly complicates treatment.

A new look at cancer treatment.

Discoveries made during the research raise an important question about the need to revise the approaches to the treatment of cancer. The problem is not only in the fight against the tumor, but also in the correct effect on healthy tissues of the body. In the future, chemotherapy may be improved to minimize side effects, improve treatment outcomes, and provide better cancer control..

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