Cancer treatments are designed to kill cancer cells. Seems pretty simple, but it isn't. When cancer cells die, they can cause inflammationA reaction to tissue damage or invasion. Small blood vessels become leaky, leading to redness and swelling. Cells of the immune system migrate to the area and can release chemicals and proteins that cause damage to the structures/cells nearby., and chronic inflammation supports the growth of cancer.
What can be done about this?
Researchers from Harvard and the Institute of Systems Biology have found that the inflammation triggered by dying cancer cells can be blocked by substances called resolvins. Resolvins reduce inflammation and cause the fragments of dead cells to be 'eaten' by other cells, getting them out of the system.
Because resolvins are already being investigated for other medical uses, they could move into cancer patients relatively quickly. Another plus - they appear to be non-toxic.
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