[Cancer Progression/ MHU-10]
Cancer progression under the microgravity environment in space

RESEARCH OVERVIEW

• Cancer cells occur in large numbers every day even in healthy people, and these are eliminated by immune cells. In space, the immune systems of astronauts rapidly decline to lower levels similar to that of the elderly on Earth.
• Mouse Habitat Unit 10: Cancer Progression under the Microgravity Environment in Space (MHU-10) uses tumor-transplanted mice to non-invasively observe tumor growth and lung metastasis in a microgravity environment with in vivo bioluminescence imaging.
• Results from the research may help reduce health risks for humans in space and support the development of new preventive measures against cancer progression on Earth.

DESCRIPTION

The incidence of cancer increases exponentially with age. There is also the possibility that humans may stay in space for long periods of time with microscopic cancers that cannot be diagnosed before spaceflight. In space, increased exposure to cosmic radiation increases the number of lesions in the human body. Furthermore, it is also known that the immune system, which is involved in eliminating cancer, declines with age. Researchers have confirmed that simulated microgravity using tail-suspended mice results in atrophy of immune organs and enhanced tumor growth and lung metastasis. Mouse Habitat Unit 10: Cancer Progression under the Microgravity Environment in Space (MHU-10) uses tumor-implanted mice to verify whether the microgravity environment of space actually accelerates cancer progression through bioluminescence imaging in orbit and detailed analysis of the immune system and cancer progression in samples retrieved on Earth.

SPACE APPLICATIONS

This investigation studies how microgravity affects cancer progression and immune system function using tumor-transplanted mice observed in a microgravity environment. Understanding whether cancer accelerates in space helps identify potential health risks for astronauts on future long-duration missions.

EARTH APPLICATIONS

Results may lead to new insights into how weakened immunity contributes to cancer progression, a major health concern for aging populations on Earth. By studying tumor growth and immune responses in microgravity, researchers can better understand the biological mechanisms that influence cancer development. This knowledge could support the creation of new therapies and preventive measures to slow or stop cancer progression in humans.

OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND PROTOCOLS

Glowing cancer cell-implanted mice are launched to the International Space Station and reared in the Kibo Japanese Experiment Module using JAXA Habitat Cage Units. The Tele-Luminescence Analysis System (TELLAS) is used to monitor tumor growth and lung metastasis in the mice aboard the space station. Collected samples are used to analyze the effects of microgravity on the immune system and cancer progression.

TAKAHASHI Akihisa [Gunma University]