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Cancer Protein Breaks Alzheimer's Plaques, Offers New Hope

1/24/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A study published in Cell found that cystatin C, a protein from cancer cells, can infiltrate the brain and break apart amyloid plaques linked to Alzheimer's.
This finding aligns with long-standing observations that individuals with cancer rarely develop Alzheimer's.
In mouse models with transplanted human tumors, cancer-bearing mice did not develop typical brain plaques.
Experts say the work could pave the way for new Alzheimer's treatments.

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Story summary

A study published in Cell found that cystatin C, a protein from cancer cells, can infiltrate the brain and break apart amyloid plaques linked to Alzheimer's.
This finding aligns with long-standing observations that individuals with cancer rarely develop Alzheimer's.
In mouse models with transplanted human tumors, cancer-bearing mice did not develop typical brain plaques.
Experts say the work could pave the way for new Alzheimer's treatments.