Many probably know collagen mainly from cosmetics. However, our body also produces collagen itself. And this could possibly be the key in the treatment of cancer.
It has been known for a long time that collagen can beautify the complexion more than in cream form. It is also used in medicine, for example in wound healing.1 But even without taking it as a supplement or using it for therapy, there is collagen in our body. With a share of 30 percent, it is the most frequently represented protein. The protein gives support to our joints, muscles and tendons. What’s more, according to new scientific findings, collagen can apparently also stop cancer.
Link between collagen and cancer
Why does cancer remain inactive in some people for a long time, while in others it quickly unfolds its full destructive power and spreads throughout the body? This question has puzzled doctors and scientists for a long time. Researchers from the “Tisch Cancer Institute” at Mount Sinai Hospital (New York) have now discovered that collagen apparently plays an important role in this. More precisely: the body’s own collagen type III (COL3A1).
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Study with humans and mice
In their cancer research, the scientists conducted studies with both humans and mice. It was found that collagen seems to stop the spread of the disease in the body. The cancer cells produce the aforementioned form of collagen, which then coats the diseased cells. This process essentially forces the cancer cells to remain dormant, preventing metastasis and spread and infestation of other organs.2 On the other hand, if the supply of collagen is depleted or the cancer cells no longer produce enough, they “wake up” and attack the body.
The scientists were able to understand these processes step by step in studies with mice. The animals had previously been implanted with breast and neck cancer cells, as well as cells that form brain tumors. Using state-of-the-art scanning technology, the researchers tracked the «collagen scaffold» that left the cells dormant. Likewise, it became visible how the cells changed at the time when they became active. The finding: as long as the tumor cells were surrounded by collagen, they “slept”.
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Type III collagen as a biomarker
The discovered connection between collagen and cancer could open new avenues in the screening of cancer patients. After examining human samples, the scientists realized that the level of collagen type III could predict the recurrence of cancer. Study leader Prof. Jose Javier Bravo-Cordero stated in a press release: “Our results have potential clinical implications and could lead to a novel biomarker for predicting tumor recurrence. In addition, a therapeutic intervention can possibly be derived to prevent relapses.”
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Collagen in cancer treatment
In the experiments with mice, the Mount Sinai research team was not only able to predict a recurrence, but also to stop «awakened» cancer cells with the help of collagen. To do this, they gave the animals collagen infusions. The collagen then re-enveloped the diseased cells, blocking their further development and forcing them back into a quiescent state.
On this basis – so it is hoped – a breakthrough in cancer treatment could succeed. “Our studies show the potential therapeutic use of collagen type III. By inducing and maintaining the quiescent phase of cancer cells,” the researchers explained.4
To critically classify the study, it must also be mentioned that the promising collagen therapy does not have to be suitable for the treatment of all types of cancer – not all cancers are the same. Each mutated cell type (depending on the tissue or organ) has different properties. That is why the diagnosis and therapy is so variable and complicated. Collagen can therefore not be a “cure-all”.
Sources
- Friess W, Metzmacher I, Wild T (2007). The importance of collagen and collagenases in wound healing. Manual of Wound Healing
- Bravo-Cordero JJ, Di Martino J, Nobre AR et al. (2021). A tumor-derived type III collagen-rich ECM niche regulates tumor cell dormancy. natural cancer
- Mount Sinai (2021). Researchers Discover How Cells From Tumors Remain Dormant for Years Before Metastasis Occurs
- Waghorn, M. & Editor Study Finds. Anti-wrinkle cream ingredient collagen could hold the key to curing cancer. (accessed on December 16, 2021)