Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Scientists reveal obesity increases severity of ovarian cancer

Obesity, considered a non-infectious pandemic, is known to increase the risk of ovarian cancer and decrease the likelihood of surviving the disease

Scientists reveal obesity increases severity of ovarian cancer

Most women diagnosed with ovarian cancer face the most advanced stage of the disease, and the survival rate for those diagnosed with the condition is less than a third, lasting five years. As the third most common type of gynecological cancer, ovarian cancer accounted for over 200,000 documented deaths globally in 2020, according to a recent study.

In a recent publication in the Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research, researchers from the University of Notre Dame, in partnership with NeoGenomics Laboratories, have uncovered crucial insights into a significant factor contributing to the heightened fatality of ovarian cancer: obesity.


Obesity, considered a non-infectious pandemic, is known to increase the risk of ovarian cancer and decrease the likelihood of surviving the disease.

A team of researchers led by M. Sharon Stack, the Ann F. Dunne and Elizabeth Riley Director of Notre Dame’s Harper Cancer Research Institute, and Anna Juncker-Jensen, senior scientist and director of scientific affairs at NeoGenomics, wanted to understand why obesity makes ovarian cancer more deadly.

The researchers analysed cancer tumour tissues from ovarian cancer patients. They were able to compare the tissues of patients with a high body mass index (BMI) to those with a lower BMI, and two important differences stood out.

In cancer patients with a BMI higher than 30 (the range for obesity determined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), the researchers found a particular pattern in the type of immune cells surrounding cancerous tumours.

They found a change in the populations of a type of immune cells, called macrophages, infiltrating the tumour that are typically associated with more advanced cancer stages and poor survival.

The cancerous tumours in obese patients were also surrounded in more stiff, fibrous tissue known to help tumours resist treatment by chemotherapy.

The team was also able to confirm their findings by observing similar patterns in ovarian cancer-bearing mice fed a high-fat diet.

Stack, who also serves as the Kleiderer-Pezold Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry in the College of Science at Notre Dame, emphasised that the study offers hope for better treatments as the prevalence of obesity increases worldwide.

“Our data gives a more detailed picture of how and why obesity may affect ovarian tumour progression and therapeutic responses to the cancer,” Stack said.

“We are hopeful that these findings will lead to new strategies for targeted therapies that can improve outcomes for ovarian cancer patients,” she added.

(ANI)

More For You

Great guide to building healthy eating habits

Good nutrition is the foundation of an active lifestyle

Great guide to building healthy eating habits

Nesreen G and Jayeeta Dutta

PHYSICAL exercise is important when it comes to fitness, but what we fuel our body with plays an equally vital role in achieving sustainable results.

The key to long-term fitness success is developing mindful eating habits that nourish the body and soul, enhance performance and help maintain a healthy lifestyle. This does not necessarily mean following a restrictive diet or complicated meal plans. It is about finding a sustainable balance that works for you.

Keep ReadingShow less
Easter foods

Easter food traditions reveal the deep connection between culinary heritage and faith

iStock

9 traditional Easter foods from around the world

Easter is one of the most important celebrations in the Christian calendar, and across the globe, it’s marked with a variety of traditional foods. While customs differ by country, food plays a central role in how families come together to honour the occasion. Here are nine traditional Easter foods from different parts of the world.

1. Hot Cross Buns – United Kingdom

A classic Easter treat in Britain, hot cross buns are sweet, spiced buns made with dried fruits and marked with a white cross. Traditionally eaten on Good Friday, they symbolise the crucifixion of Jesus. Today, they are enjoyed throughout the Easter period, often lightly toasted and spread with butter.

Keep ReadingShow less
The Chase’s Paul Sinha shares Parkinson’s update after major health scare

Sinha’s message was one of resilience and realism

Getty

The Chase’s Paul Sinha shares Parkinson’s update after major health scare

Paul Sinha, known to viewers of ITV’s The Chase as “The Sinnerman,” has spoken candidly about his experience living with Parkinson’s disease. During an appearance on Loose Women on Thursday, 17 April, the comedian and quizzer reflected on his journey from diagnosis to managing the condition day to day.

Sinha, who was diagnosed with the progressive neurological disorder in 2019, revealed that his earliest symptoms were not what many would typically associate with Parkinson’s.

Keep ReadingShow less
Toblerone dark chocolate discontinued in the UK, confirms Mondelez

This reflects both the popularity of the product and the frustration of fans

iStock

Toblerone dark chocolate discontinued in the UK, confirms Mondelez

Toblerone fans in the UK will no longer be able to purchase the dark chocolate version of the iconic Swiss chocolate bar, as manufacturer Mondelez has confirmed it has discontinued the product.

The company stated that it has made the “difficult decision” to stop production of the 360g Toblerone Dark bar. While no specific reason was given, Mondelez acknowledged the disappointment it may cause among consumers. A spokesperson said: “While we understand that this may be disappointing for some consumers, we continue to invest in Toblerone.”

Keep ReadingShow less