Context:
Space oncology is an emerging field that studies how microgravity and space radiation influence cancer cells, with the aim of improving cancer research, drug discovery and treatment. Recent advances in space-based experiments are opening new possibilities for biomedical innovation.
Explanation:
- Space oncology studies the effects of microgravity and cosmic radiation on cancer biology to improve diagnosis and therapy.
- Microgravity is a condition of near-weightlessness experienced in orbit, where gravitational forces are greatly reduced.
- In microgravity, cancer cells form 3D spheroids, which closely resemble human tumours and help in realistic drug testing.
- Space-based research can reveal changes in gene expression, cell signalling, protein synthesis, cell proliferation and metastasis.
- Microgravity also affects protein crystallisation and nanoparticle behaviour, aiding the development of more effective medicines.
- The International Space Station (ISS) serves as a major laboratory for biomedical and cancer research in space.
- Space experiments may accelerate drug discovery, personalised medicine, biomarker identification and precision oncology, while reducing dependence on animal testing.
- The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is increasingly supporting space-based life sciences and biomedical research through its expanding space programme.
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