Specific Protein Found to Keep Cancer Cells Dormant: A Breakthrough Study

The Function of Collagen in Cancer Dormancy

The study focused on Type III collagen, a protein found in the tissue surrounding cells. Scientists noticed that:

• Dormant cancer cells were surrounded by high levels of Type III collagen.
• Active and spreading cancer cells had lower amounts of this protein.

To verify their observations, researchers examined patients with head and neck cancer. They discovered that patients whose cancer had spread to their lymph nodes had less Type III collagen around their primary tumors. In contrast, those whose cancer had not spread had higher levels of this protein in the tumor environment.

This suggests that when Type III collagen levels drop, cancer cells “wake up” and start spreading throughout the body.

How Collagen Keeps Cancer in Check

To understand the process better, researchers observed mouse models over time and found that:

• Type III collagen levels naturally decrease as cancer progresses.
• Once collagen levels drop too much, dormant cancer cells become active and start growing.
• The structure of collagen also changes—it becomes more stretched out rather than wavy, disrupting signals that keep cancer cells dormant.

By using advanced microscopy, scientists could see these changes happening in real time inside live mice.

What This Means for Cancer Treatment

This finding may revolutionize the way physicians treat cancer in a number of ways:

1. Predicting Cancer Recurrence

Doctors could test for Type III collagen levels to predict whether a tumor is likely to stay dormant or become aggressive.

2. Collagen-Based Therapies

Scientists are investigating how to boost Type III collagen levels within the tumor to keep cancer cells dormant and refrain from metastasizing.

3. Combining Dormancy and Targeted Treatments

Jose Javier Bravo-Cordero, the study’s senior researcher, explained that combining dormancy-inducing treatments with targeted therapies for dormant cells could prevent cancer from coming back and spreading.

Challenges in Applying This to Humans

While this approach successfully kept cancer cells dormant 80% of the time in mice, human biology is far more complex. What is effective in animals does not always translate well to humans. Yet this finding paves the way for new studies and possible treatments.
more complex. What is effective

Boosting Collagen for Better Health

Although this research is on cancer, collagen is also critical to overall well-being, such as skin, joints, and bones. If you want to naturally boost your collagen levels, here are some tips:

Foods That Help Increase Collagen

1. Bone Broth & Animal Skin – Bone broth, chicken skin, and fish skin are rich in natural collagen.
2. Protein-Rich Foods – Meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy provide the building blocks for collagen production.
3. Vitamin C-Rich Foods – Citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, and broccoli help the body make more collagen.
4. Amino Acids & Minerals – Nuts, seeds, eggs, and dairy contain key nutrients like glycine, proline, copper, and sulfur that support collagen production.
5. Antioxidant Foods – Berries, leafy greens, and dark chocolate help protect collagen from breaking down.

Lifestyle Changes to Preserve Collagen

• Wear Sunscreen – Too much sun exposure damages collagen.
• Cut Back on Sugar – Processed sugars weaken collagen fibers.
• Quit Smoking – Smoking speeds up collagen breakdown, making skin age faster.

How to Choose the Right Collagen Supplement

If you’re considering a collagen supplement, here’s what to look for:

• Type of Collagen – Type I and III are great for skin and hair, while Type II is best for joints.
• Source – Bovine (cow), marine (fish), or chicken sources have different benefits.
• Form – Hydrolyzed collagen (also called collagen peptides) is easiest for the body to absorb.
• Quality & Purity – Look for supplements from grass-fed, pasture-raised, or wild-caught sources.
• Minimal Additives – Avoid artificial sweeteners and unnecessary fillers.
• Brand Reputation – Check reviews and look for third-party testing.
• Value for Money – Compare serving sizes and cost to find the best deal.

The Future of Cancer Treatment

While this study is currently in its infancy, it has the potential to make huge strides in cancer treatment. Scientists are now working on:

• Developing therapies that boost Type III collagen to keep cancer cells dormant.
• Creating biomarker tests to predict which tumors are likely to spread.
• Finding new drug combinations that prevent cancer from reactivating.

With enough research of Type III collagen power, researchers could potentially get the cancer never to come back or spread at all—grazing for superior survival rates and longer remissions.