Does Timing Of Cancer Treatment Affect Effectiveness? How Is It Related To Your Sleep Pattern?

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According to a recent study, the timing of cancer treatment impacts the effectiveness of the treatment.

Scientists from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology have discovered that circadian rhythm could also influence a person's cancer diagnosis and treatment outcome [1].

Does The Timing Of Cancer Treatment Affect Effectiveness?

Researchers have previously found that circadian rhythms may have a significant impact on mental health disorders, epilepsy, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, among other health concerns.

According to another study, a person's circadian rhythm may influence the effectiveness of certain medications depending on the time of day at which they are administered [2].

It has long been known that sleep is affected by the circadian rhythm of the body - the 24-hour cycle that occurs throughout the day. Now, scientists at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich believe that circadian rhythm could also play a role in cancer diagnosis and treatment [3].

What is the relationship between circadian rhythm and cancer treatment?

Using current data on circadian rhythm and cancer development, diagnosis, and treatment, the researchers found a link between the circadian rhythm and metastasis, or the spread of cancer from one site to another [4].

As an example, breast cancer is more likely to metastasise at night while a person is asleep, whereas prostate cancer is more likely to metastasise during the day.

Researchers believe that by knowing when cancer cells produce their highest concentrations of proteins, they will be able to decrease misdiagnosis and make biopsies more accurate.

Cancer treatment can be affected by your sleep

Researchers have found that a person's circadian rhythm could affect the efficacy of chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments. A process known as chronotherapy can be used to coordinate treatment delivery with the body's circadian rhythm [5].

According to the research team, physicians may be able to diagnose cancer more effectively using the circadian rhythm.

Reduces the risk of side effects of cancer treatment

When patients with ovarian cancer receive Adriamycin (medicine) early in the morning and cisplatin late in the evening, they experience fewer side effects than when Adriamycin is administered earlier in the morning and cisplatin later in the day [6].

How does the time of day affect the success of cancer treatment?

Researchers also found that cancer treatment success may depend on the time of day. According to a study cited in 2021, melanoma patients who received immunotherapeutics before 4:30 p.m. had almost twice as many chances of surviving [7].

On A Final Note...

As a result of the study, doctors may be able to prescribe treatments at a specific time of day to maximize efficacy or minimise side effects.

However, additional research will be required before major changes are made to cancer treatment protocols.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.