Overview
- University of Toronto researchers report in Cell that tumor‑secreted cystatin‑C bound small amyloid clusters and promoted their removal in Alzheimer’s mouse models.
- Disabling the cystatin‑C pathway eliminated the plaque‑reducing effect, identifying a necessary mechanism involving microglial activation through TREM2.
- Mice carrying implanted human lung, prostate, or colon tumors accumulated fewer amyloid plaques, and some experiments showed improved memory performance.
- The findings offer a potential biological explanation for epidemiological data showing a lower co‑occurrence of cancer and Alzheimer’s, though not all cancers produce cystatin‑C.
- Experts caution the results are preliminary and in animals, highlighting the need to confirm activity and safety in humans and to explore therapies that mimic this pathway without inducing cancer.