am a new user of rapamycin but see a few different posts about it possibly causing cancer. how do you see it?
Rapamycin almost certainly has an anti-cancer effect as it down-regulates mtor. I wouldn’t self medicate for that purpose but it is very unlikely it causes cancer.
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It would be interesting to have a link to anything that appears to substantiate cancer causing effects. I cannot myself understand how it might cause cancer. This means real links with real reports rather than just some random post on the internet.
My hypothesis of a possible cause might be if cancer immune surveillance is impeded by rapamycin induced mTORC 2 inhibition through chronic and sustained use.
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That would be an argument for a reduction in the immune system and hence a cancer which already exists is less vulnerable to the immune system, but not a cancer actually caused by Rapamycin itself.
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That would be right, similar to AIDS-related cancers - rather than HIV caused cancers.
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seems like rapamycin increases the risk of skin cancer and that doesn’t feel good
You’ve posted this twice, but without any citations. In this community, it’s important to provide sources when making claims, especially on topics like this.
Previously, @RapAdmin addressed concerns regarding cancer, particularly skin cancer, in relation to Rapamycin use. To clarify, when Rapamycin inhibits mTOR, it slows down the process by which skin cells are replaced, meaning the turnover of damaged skin cells is delayed. Given that UV damage accumulates over time, this reduced cell turnover could theoretically increase the likelihood of sunburn, since damaged cells are not repaired or replaced as quickly.
However, it’s important to note that Rapamycin also reduces cell proliferation by inhibiting mTOR. This decrease in cellular proliferation lowers the likelihood that UV-damaged skin cells will multiply and progress into cancerous lesions. In other words, while your risk of sunburn (and immediate skin damage) may increase, the slowed proliferation of damaged cells actually reduces your overall risk of developing skin cancer from that damage.
Sources supporting these mechanisms would help clarify this balance between increased sun sensitivity and cancer prevention.
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seems to be the case according to several studies that rapamycin reduced the incidence of skin cancer in transplant recipients, but that the risk of being affected when you take rapamycin is still increased. then it is true that many studies apply to transplant recipients with completely different doses, so a schedule of once a week is perhaps something else. it therefore depends on a certain amount of theorizing and taking chances on risks. many studies also refer to mice so that also makes this uncertain when it comes to humans.
A quick, painless solution to the increased risk of skin cancers is to use at least an SPF 30 Sunscreen.
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Yes. Also, I personally favor covering with clothing. There is an Australian clothing company called Coolibar, that makes a wide variety of sports and outdoor clothing designed and using appropriate materials for maximum sun protection that is still practical to wear (Australia of course has particularly high levels of UV and skin cancer).
Appropriate clothes coverage is superior to any cream and not time limited in effectiveness, and often easier than slathering, avoids concern over chemicals etc… Of course it is not always practical. Sunglasses and wide rimmed hats can be helpful, depending on where you live.
Some people also swear by getting a little bit of skin protection from consuming high levels of carotenoids, supps with astaxanthin and the like. Every bit helps.
Yearly whole body dermatological exams are also indicated, especially if you live somewhere with high levels of sun exposure, or work/lifestyle factors.
Put all this together, and probably any rapa skin cancer worries can be alleviated, seems to me.
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