Study finds heartbeat may help shield the heart from cancer

28-Apr-2026

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Scientists have discovered that the heart's constant mechanical motion not only pumps blood but actively suppresses cancer growth. 

Using genetically engineered mice and heart transplants without mechanical strain, they showed tumors grow more in mechanically unloaded hearts. The protein Nesprin-2 transmits mechanical forces to cancer cell nuclei, changing gene regulation to inhibit tumor proliferation. 

This mechanical defense explains the rarity of heart cancer and points to potential new cancer treatments that harness physical forces to control tumor growth in other organs.