Unexpected Discovery: Cancer Cells Might Help Heal Hearts

In a twist that might seem odd, scientists in Israel found that cancer cells could actually help hearts work better. This discovery came from a study at the Technion–Israel Institute of Technology in Haifa. The researchers noticed that cancerous serum in mice reduced fibrosis, which is a stiffening of the heart muscle. The study was led by PhD students Lama Awwad and Laris Achlaug. They published their findings in a respected journal called JACC: CardioOncology. The researchers were surprised to see that the mice's hearts could pump blood better and their muscle systems improved. This was a big deal because it showed a connection between cancer and heart health that no one expected. Professor Ami Aronheim, who oversees the medical faculty, explained that a failing heart can actually function better when cancer cells are present. However, it's important to note that this doesn't mean cancer is a treatment for heart disease. The goal is to understand the mechanisms behind this unexpected link.The scientists believe that tumors release signals that affect the body's repair and immune response. These signals might be used to improve heart health in the future. Itzhak Kehat, head of the Department of Physiology, thinks this study could change how we understand the relationship between cancer and heart diseases. Awwad and Achlaug also talked about the challenges they face as women from minority communities pursuing careers in science. They highlighted the support they receive from their husbands, which allows them to balance work and family life. Both researchers have presented their work at international conferences, where they often field questions about life in Israel. Despite some initial nerves, Achlaug found that scientists from different backgrounds can focus on the science first and save their opinions for later. This shows that collaboration and mutual respect are possible, even in a field as complex as medical research.