It was also found that the pumping action stimulated the production of a protein called Nesprin-2, transmitting a signal to the nucleus of a cancer cell to tell it to stop reproducing, as the environment is not suitable.

The study explains that collectively, ‘these results shed light on the role of mechanical forces in protecting the heart from cancer and may pave the way to cancer therapies based on mechanical stimulation’

The results may also suggest ‘potential strategies for cancer therapy based on mechanical stimulation’