An intense exercise session could slow down the progression of cancer.
The relationship between exercise and health is well documented, but a recent finding suggests that its impact goes far beyond prevention. Researchers in Australia found that, after an intense training session, the blood of women who had overcome breast cancer contained substances capable of inhibiting the proliferation of tumor cells. This discovery reinforces the idea that physical activity can become a key therapeutic strategy.
The finding: blood with anticancer effect
The team led by Robert Newton observed that blood extracted after intense workouts contained myokines, proteins released by muscles, which showed the ability to slow the growth of breast cancer cells in the laboratory. In contrast, blood collected before exercise had no effect.
Myokines and intensity, the key to the mechanism
The interleukin-6 (IL-6) stood out as one of the most potent compounds in this process. The higher its concentration after exercise, the greater the inhibition of cell growth. High-intensity interval training was the most effective, while weightlifting also showed benefits, albeit to a lesser extent.
How the study was conducted
The research involved 32 women who had survived breast cancer and did not regularly exercise. They were all invited to participate and were divided into two groups: one performed high-intensity interval training on gym machines for 45 minutes, and the other practiced strength training for the same duration. The blood obtained before and after was applied to tumor cells cultured in the laboratory.
The results were conclusive: the post-exercise plasma stopped the growth and even caused the death of some cells. Independent experts, such as Jessica Scott from the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, agreed that progressive and intense exercise programs are safe and highly beneficial for cancer survivors.
Towards a new therapeutic approach
Beyond prevention, the evidence suggests that intense exercise could be integrated into treatment protocols. Previous studies had already shown that physical activity reduces recurrence and improves survival in various types of cancer. However, researchers caution that before starting any routine, patients should consult healthcare professionals and turn to tailored programs.
Challenges and future of research
Although promising, the study raises questions: what type of exercise is most effective? How many sessions are necessary? Newton himself acknowledges that more extensive clinical trials are needed to validate the results. Nevertheless, the finding reinforces the idea that intense exercise not only improves physical condition but can also become an accessible and powerful therapeutic tool against cancer.
