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Berlin, August 27, 2024 – A groundbreaking study from Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin has revealed that the timing of cancer treatment, aligned with the body’s internal clock, or circadian rhythm, could significantly enhance its effectiveness. This research, published in Nature Communications, highlights how the time of day when medications are administered can influence treatment outcomes, particularly in aggressive cancers like triple-negative breast cancer.
The circadian rhythm is the natural cycle that regulates various bodily functions, including sleep, digestion, and cellular processes. It ensures that different organs and cells operate in sync with the body’s needs at specific times of the day. According to the researchers, this internal clock not only governs the functioning of organs but also individual cells, including cancer cells, which respond differently to treatments depending on the time they are administered.
“This is hugely important to chemotherapy administered to treat cancer,” noted the researchers. Chemotherapy is most effective when cancer cells are actively dividing, yet this principle has not been widely applied in clinical settings. The new study aims to bridge this gap by tailoring cancer treatment schedules to the individual patient’s circadian rhythm.
Focusing on triple-negative breast cancer, a particularly aggressive form of the disease with limited treatment options, the research team cultured cells from patients to observe their response to the chemotherapeutic drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) at different times of the day. Their findings revealed that cancer cells were most responsive to 5-FU between eight and ten a.m., suggesting that administering the drug during this window could maximize its efficacy.
Moreover, the study identified specific genes that play a crucial role in the circadian effects of certain medications, paving the way for personalized treatment strategies based on an individual’s circadian rhythm. While the findings are promising, the researchers emphasized the need for further studies to validate the results across different types of cancer and patient populations.
This innovative approach could revolutionize cancer treatment by optimizing drug administration timing, potentially improving outcomes and reducing side effects. As the researchers call for more extensive clinical trials, their work marks a significant step toward personalized cancer therapy that aligns with the natural rhythms of the human body.
