The body's internal clock, cancer, and chemotherapy

Circadian clock disruption may aid in cancer regression by promoting intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis.

• The circadian clock significantly influences DNA damage response mechanisms, including DNA repair and cell death processes.
• Epidemiological studies suggest a link between clock disruption and cancer risk, but controlled genetic studies in mice do not support this view.
• In specific genetic contexts, clock disruption could potentially lead to enhanced cancer regression.
• The circadian clock may also impact the effectiveness of cancer treatments by affecting how drugs are processed and how DNA damage is repaired.

Simplified