Increase Spread Of Ovarian Cancer Related To Fat Cells In Abdomen

According to a report of a research team based at the University of Chicago, as published in the journal Nature Medicine last October 30, 2011, a large number of cells that extend from the stomach which covers the intestines can increase the spread and growth of ovarian cancer.

Considering ovarian cancer as the fifth leading cause of deaths in women, research regarding its spread and treatment is surely very timely. This type of cancer usually spreads within the abdominal cavity to the pad of fat cells found on the abdomen as well. Often, cancer growth that spreads to the fat cells of the abdomen surpasses the growth of the original ovarian cancer. Fat cells are “food” for ovarian cancer cells; this is because these fatty tissues are rich in energy-dense lipids which are a perfect energy source for ovarian cancer cells.

A study conducted by author Ernst Lengyel, MD, PhD. Professor of obstetrics at the University of Chicago revealed that cells that make up the fatty tissues of the abdomen contain enough energy to fuel the development of cancer cells enabling them to multiply in a very rapid rate. In line with this specific study of the relationship of abdominal fat cells and ovarian cancer, it is also estimated that other cancers can benefit from an increase in fat deposit in a particular area like breast cancer in fatty breast tissue and in the cancers of the colon as well.

Studies are also being conducted by Lengyel and his team regarding the possible treatment for ovarian cancer in relation to fat cells. A treatment being eyed upon is a fatty acid binding protein known as FABP4 which is a fat carrier that can reduce tumors from the ovaries moving to the adipose tissues of the abdomen.

Related reviews