Cancer resistance insights gained from the blind mole rat

the Oncology Nurse Advisor take:

The blind mole rat has adapted to a life deep underground to avoid predators and climate changes, but the underground environment exposes it to soil pathogens and other factors that should increase cancer incidence. Researchers are examining the reasons that the mole rat appears able to adapt to this habitat that carries a greater cancer risk. A related species, the naked mole rat, is also well-known for its immunity to cancer. The cancer resistance demonstrated by this species could be a result of the adaptation to hypoxia via the weakening of the p53 gene and accompanying SINE expansion.