Obstructive Sleep Apnea Linked to Increased Cancer Risk and Mortality, Research Suggests
Novel research indicates a significant link between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and an increased risk of cancer, its aggressiveness, and associated mortality. The connection stems from the immune system deterioration caused by intermittent hypoxia – repeated drops in blood oxygen levels – during sleep. Experts are also investigating whether treatment for OSA, specifically Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy, can improve cancer treatment outcomes.
How Sleep Apnea Impacts Cancer Risk
Francisco García-Río, MD, PhD, head of the Pulmonology Section at La Paz University Hospital in Madrid, Spain, explained that repeated oxygen desaturations characteristic of OSA affect both the innate and adaptive immune systems, diminishing their ability to detect and eliminate tumor cells.
“All animals, humans among them, have an immunosurveillance system,” García-Río stated. “If a cell in our body acquires characteristics of a neoplastic cell and triggers the development of a tumor, our immune system is trained to detect it, phagocytize it and destroy it.”
In individuals with OSA, this immunosurveillance system is compromised, reducing the body’s capacity to identify and destroy cancerous cells. This impairment may contribute to a higher risk of developing cancer and experiencing more aggressive tumor growth.
CPAP Therapy and Potential Mortality Reduction
The primary treatment for OSA is CPAP therapy, which delivers pressurized air to keep the airways open during sleep. Although conclusive clinical trials on CPAP’s direct effect on cancer are still needed, observational studies offer promising evidence.
García-Río cited a 2023 multicenter analysis involving patients with metastatic melanoma. The study revealed that severe OSA was associated with a higher five-year risk of death. But, patients who adhered to CPAP treatment demonstrated a significant reduction in mortality.
“The results obtained suggest that CPAP treatment very significantly reduces the risk of mortality from melanoma,” García-Río noted.
Exploring CPAP in Combination with Immunotherapy
Researchers in Spain are currently investigating whether CPAP therapy can enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy, a key cancer treatment. The goal is to determine if CPAP can improve the response to immunotherapy, potentially boosting the efficacy of current cancer treatments.
OSA Prevalence and Blood Pressure Control
A separate study published in 2019 highlighted the high prevalence of OSA in patients with resistant hypertension (RH). The study, involving 284 individuals with RH from three countries, found that 83.5% had OSA (an apnea-hypopnea index ≥ 5 events/h).
the study demonstrated a dose-response association between OSA severity and blood pressure measurements, particularly during nighttime hours. Patients with severe OSA exhibited higher blood pressure values compared to those with mild to moderate or no OSA.
Key Takeaways
- Obstructive sleep apnea can weaken the immune system, potentially increasing cancer risk and aggressiveness.
- CPAP therapy may reduce mortality risk in cancer patients, particularly those with melanoma.
- Research is ongoing to explore the potential of CPAP to enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy.
- A high percentage of individuals with resistant hypertension also have obstructive sleep apnea.
The post Sleep Apnea & Cancer Risk: How CPAP May Help Improve Outcomes appeared first on Archynewsy.