According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 8 million people die every year from Cancer in the World. This number translates to about 15% of all deaths in the world annually. It’s no wonder researchers all across the globe are racing for a cure. Two of the primary treatments for Cancer are radiation therapy and chemotherapy (chemo). Unfortunately, although these treatments may kill Cancer, they oftentimes harm areas of the body that are healthy as well, which can be detrimental to the health of the patient. Loss of hair and rapid aging are some of the more visible side effects of these treatments.
But, Jian-Guo Geng, an associate professor at the University Of Michigan School Of Dentistry, and his lab have discovered a correlation between a healthy gastrointestinal tract (stomach and intestines) and chemotherapy survivability. Geng and his team gave lethal doses of chemotherapy to mice with and without intestinal nutrients. The results showed that mice with the healthier intestinal tracts had a survival rate of 50-75%. Whereas, all the mice without the extra nutrients and supplements died from the lethal dose. The intestine naturally creates stem cells for regeneration and repair as needed. When a patient receives chemotherapy, however, these stem cells cannot repair the intestines very fast. During this time of repair, the body cannot, if at all, absorb nutrients very well. The inability to absorb nutrients hinders the body’s ability to perform key biological functions important for survival. But, if a patient can be given supplements that will cause the body to produce extra stem cells, the intestinal tract may be able to survive chemotherapy by quickly repairing the intestines without suffering lethal side effects. This has yet to be tested on humans. Geng’s next goal is for a 100% survival rate for his mice.
For more information on Cancer or Cancer Statistics from the American Cancer Society, go to cancer.org.
Journal Reference: Wei-Jie Zhou, Zhen H. Geng, Jason R. Spence & Jian-Guo Geng. Induction of intestinal stem cells by R-spondin 1 and Slit2 augments chemoradioprotection. Nature, 2013 DOI: 10.1038/nature12416