Scientists discovered how physical activity affects tumor growth

Physical activity can slow tumor growth in mice by redirecting glucose - the main energy source for cancer cells - to the muscles. This was shown by a study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

Experiments on mice showed: in animals that regularly ran, tumors grew almost 60% slower than in sedentary rodents. This response persisted when the animals received the same amount of calories.

Analysis revealed that after completing exercise, the heart and skeletal muscles of mice actively used glucose, leaving less of it available for tumors to use. This effect was evident in both breast cancer and melanoma, suggesting its universality.

Additionally, trained mice showed reduced activity of the mTOR protein - a key driver of tumor growth. Exercise before tumor appearance had a similar effect, improving body composition and increasing the body's energy efficiency.

According to scientists, similar processes may occur in the human body: regular exercise changes the expression of muscle genes related to glucose and amino acid metabolism, shifting toward anti-tumor activity.