Are cancer cells acidic?
1991
Are cancer cells acidic?
Editorial
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): J.R. Griffiths
Primary Institution: CRC Biomedical Magnetic Resonance Research Group, St George's Hospital Medical School
Hypothesis
Are cancer cells more acidic than normal cells?
Conclusion
Cancer cells are generally neutral or slightly alkaline, contrary to the long-held belief that they are acidic.
Supporting Evidence
- Cancer cells maintain a near-neutral pH despite producing lactic acid.
- Microelectrode studies show that extracellular pH in tumors is often acidic.
- Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy indicates that tumor cells are not usually acidic.
Takeaway
Scientists used special tools to check if cancer cells are sour like lemon juice. They found out that cancer cells are actually more like water, not sour at all!
Methodology
The study utilized Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy to measure the pH of cancer cells in vivo.
Limitations
The study primarily discusses findings from non-invasive measurements and does not address all potential technical errors.
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