Research on how cancer spreads through the body. Covers metastasis monitoring, bone metastasis, and nanoparticle treatments.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have uncovered why certain melanoma cells are more likely to spread through the body. Efficient metastasizers take up more lactate due to higher levels of monocarboxylate transporter 1, allowing them to survive in the blood and promoting disease progression.
The pooled analysis of three clinical trials shows entrectinib is effective in 77% of patients with ROS1+ NSCLC and 57% of patients with NTRK+ NSCLC, with significant response rates and progression-free survival times. Entrectinib's ability to penetrate brain metastases makes it a promising treatment for these patients.
Researchers developed DeepMACT, a novel algorithm that can detect and analyze cancer metastases more than 300 times faster than human experts. The algorithm provides insights into the unique metastatic profiles of different tumor models, enabling tailored drug targeting for various cancers.
The trial showed that adding tucatinib to capecitabine and trastuzumab improved progression-free and overall survival in advanced HER2-positive breast cancer patients, regardless of whether they had brain metastasis. The treatment combination also increased the overall response rate compared to standard care.
A new study published in British Journal of Cancer has identified the protein stathmin as a crucial player in the spread of neuroblastoma. Stathmin helps regulate PTPN14 expression, affecting migration and invasion of neuroblastoma cells.
UConn researchers have discovered a connection between pregnancy and cancer metastasis in various mammal species. They found that certain species have evolved to make their stromal cells highly resistant to invasion, unlike humans who are more vulnerable to cancer metastasis.
Researchers established B6CaP, a prostate-derived tumor line that frequently metastasizes to bones and grows in an immunocompetent host, overcoming limitations of previous models. This model is useful for studying mechanisms of bone metastasis and tumor immune response.
A University of Colorado Cancer Center study suggests two new approaches to treating bone metastases from prostate cancer: targeting different signaling pathways for lytic and blastic lesions. Both types of bone metastases show promise with anti-cancer immunotherapy, particularly those with high PD-L1 levels.
A study discovered contagious cancer in shellfish that has spread across the Atlantic Ocean and into the Pacific. Researchers believe ships may have transported infected mussels, delivering the disease to new regions. The findings could help develop plans to protect marine life and inform human cancer metastasis research.
A new mathematical model predicts the presence of undetectable metastases based on primary tumor size, which is associated with a poorer prognosis. The model accurately reflects clinical study data for several cancer types, highlighting the potential dangers of delays in surgery for smaller tumors.
Researchers found that prostate cancer bone metastases produce high levels of TGF-β, which crowds out helpful T cells needed for effective treatment. Combining anti-TGF-β with checkpoint inhibitors may reverse resistance and improve outcomes.
The study found that T-DM1 resulted in a third of patients experiencing objective response and nearly 40% continuing treatment for at least six months. Patients with central nervous system metastases had shorter progression-free survival rates, highlighting the need for inclusion in randomized trials.
Purdue University scientists have identified key changes in the blood-brain barrier that hinder effective drug delivery to brain tumors. The discovery aims to improve treatment plans and patient outcomes for those with brain metastases from breast, lung, and melanoma.
The study found that tumor cells undergoing epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) play a key role in metastasis. However, the reverse transition, MET, is occurring at the metastatic site, suggesting that EMT is not always required for metastasis.
Researchers have identified CEMIP as a key protein promoting brain metastasis in breast and lung cancers. By blocking CEMIP, it may be possible to prevent or treat brain metastases, which are a common cause of cancer deaths. High levels of CEMIP in primary tumors have been linked to a faster progression to brain metastasis.
Researchers analyzed BTB and BBB changes in NSCLC brain metastasis over time, revealing key changes including loss of aquaporin-4 and zona occludens-1. These findings provide a comprehensive analysis of the transition of the blood-brain barrier to the blood-tumor barrier.
A study has developed a method to determine activity in bone marrow, enabling personalized dosimetry. This approach can predict the effectiveness of treatment and prevent bone marrow toxicity.
Researchers at Tohoku University developed a sound-based treatment that delivers anticancer drugs to lymph nodes affected by breast cancer metastases. The technique involves injecting vesicles carrying drugs into the nodes, which rupture when exposed to high-power ultrasound, releasing the medication.
A recent study found that malignant melanoma (MM) on the neck has a higher chance of spreading beyond the skin compared to MM below the neck. Researchers investigated 45 patients over six months and discovered that out of the 37 below neck MM patients, none had distant metastases, while two out of eight above neck MM patients did.
Scientists at The Wistar Institute have identified a novel mechanism by which astrocytes promote cancer cell growth and metastasis in the brain. The pro-metastatic effect is mediated through the activation of the PPAR-gamma pathway, providing a new lead for PPAR-gamma antagonists in cancer therapy.
Researchers will examine microRNAs and enhancer RNA to understand treatment resistance and metastasis of ER-positive breast cancer. The goal is to develop a new treatment strategy for patients with limited options.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered that the compound 4-HAP can reduce metastatic tumor formation in mouse models of human pancreatic cancer. By stiffening cells and overwhelming their ability to invade nearby tissue, 4-HAP may help halt the progression of disease-like behavior in pancreatic cancer cells.
Researchers found that breast cancer cells form fake synapses with neurons to secrete glutamate and activate the NMDAR receptor, providing a rationale for brain metastasis. This mechanism may be applicable to prevention and therapy of breast-to-brain metastases.
Research reveals how breast cancer cells use exosomes to bypass the blood-brain barrier and spread to the brain. Exosomes trick endothelial cells into taking them up, allowing cancer cells to metastasize, and can also manipulate astrocytes to facilitate tumor growth.
Researchers identified a potential new indication for anti-EGFR treatment in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer and specific BRAF mutations. Class 3 BRAF mutations showed enhanced response rates compared to class 2 mutations, offering hope for personalized oncology.
Researchers discovered that E-cadherin promotes metastasis in invasive ductal carcinoma by allowing breast cancer cells to survive during travel and form new tumors. The study reveals that the process of metastasis is inefficient, with only 1% of cells surviving and forming new tumors.
A team of researchers from Tel Aviv University and Sheba Medical Center identified differences in the metabolism of cancer cells between responders and non-responders to immunotherapy. Higher levels of proteins associated with lipid metabolism were found in responders, leading to better recognition by the immune system.
A new study identifies PoEMs as promoting breast cancer metastasis through the loosening of lymph vessel connections. Removing these cells reduces the ability of breast cancer cells to spread. The findings suggest targeting PoEMs in cancer therapy, specifically targeting cancer-associated lymphatic vessels.
Scientists at the Paul Scherrer Institute deciphered the structure of CCR7 receptor, which plays a crucial role in cancer cell migration. They identified an artificial molecule that blocks this receptor, preventing signaling protein from triggering a chain reaction leading to cell migration.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University discovered that tumor cells 'hijack' an inflammatory pathway in the brain to spread melanoma, and blocking this pathway could prevent brain metastases. The study found that inhibiting the expression of a specific receptor on melanoma cells significantly inhibited the development of brain metastases.
A new nanoparticle delivery tool targets metastatic cancer cells in lymph nodes, leading to improved survival rates and reduced tumor growth. The therapy, called iCluster, effectively treats cancer at primary tumor sites as well as distant lymph node metastases.
Researchers at UCLA have developed a nanoscale capsule that breaks through the blood-brain barrier, allowing it to reach and treat cancer that has spread to the central nervous system. In mouse studies, this capsule delivered cancer-fighting drugs effectively eliminating B-cell lymphoma tumors.
A pan-Canadian clinical trial will investigate a new way to treat metastatic breast cancer by making it impossible for breast cancer cells to manufacture proteins needed to be aggressive. The Dream Team, led by Nahum Sonenberg and Michael Pollak, aims to find ways to overcome translational dysregulation and prevent cancer spread.
Researchers developed a technique combining multiphoton microscopy with automated image analysis to distinguish between healthy and metastatic tissue without invasive biopsies or contrast dyes. The approach identified unique textural features in tissue that reflect cancer metastasis, allowing for early detection and improved treatment.
The study found that adjuvant radiotherapy improved disease-free period for patients with locally advanced prostate cancer, with 82% of patients in the treatment group remaining disease-free. However, the treatment did not significantly impact survival rates.
Researchers from Osaka University found that lymph node responses to neoadjuvant chemotherapy are more effective in predicting disease recurrence and patient survival than primary tumors. This finding could lead to improved treatment strategies and increased survival rates for patients with metastatic esophageal cancer.
A new treatment uses cellular soldiers created from the body's own defenses to track down and kill escaping cancer cells during surgeries, preventing metastasis. The innovative method has shown promise in clinical trials with triple negative breast cancer patients, increasing five-year survival rates.
Researchers found that fat cells allow melanoma cells to penetrate the dermis and spread to vital organs. They discovered a way to block this transformation using therapies targeting cytokines and TGF beta.
Scientists at MD Anderson Cancer Center found that PRC1 regulates metastasis by suppressing the immune system, leading to tumor blood vessel growth. A novel PRC1 inhibitor showed efficacy as a single treatment and cooperated with immunotherapy to suppress metastasis.
A new mathematical model reveals that breast cancer cells can change shape to facilitate spreading to other parts of the body. The researchers also found that these cells can cross the endothelium barrier with greater ease, which is a critical step in metastasis.
Researchers found adding pembrolizumab to definitive treatment increased overall average PFS by 19.1 months, compared to 6.6 months in historical averages. The study showed the treatment did not lead to new safety issues or decreased patient quality of life.
Research studies using liquid biopsy and ddPCR technology found that mutant BRAF ctDNA levels can predict treatment efficacy in advanced melanoma patients, while ctDNA may not reliably detect brain metastases. Meanwhile, chimeric cell-free DNA tracked tumor recurrence in hepatocellular carcinoma patients.
Researchers have identified a new cell growth pathway that could lead to better treatments for metastatic cancers. The study found that the mEAK-7 gene is highly expressed in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer cells and plays a key role in cancer metastasis.
Researchers have developed a new cancer treatment that targets and kills bone metastases using engineered stem cells, preserving the bone in the process. This approach could reduce the need for chemotherapy and improve quality of life for patients with bone metastases.
Researchers have discovered how lung cancer cells metastasize by stabilizing protein BACH1, which stimulates glucose metabolism and boosts cancer cell spreading. The studies published in Cell provide a crucial new piece of the oncological puzzle and offer a potential explanation for the Warburg effect.
Research teams discovered that uridine diphosphate glucose accelerates SNAI1 mRNA decay, impairing lung cancer metastasis. Lower UDP-glucose levels are associated with higher metastasis and recurrence rates in lung cancer.
Scientists discover that UDP-glucose accelerates SNAI1 mRNA decay, impairing lung cancer metastasis. The study also uncovers how UDP-glucose converts to UDP-glucuronic acid, enhancing SNAI1 mRNA stability and promoting tumor cell migration.
Researchers developed a microfluidic device to capture circulating cancer cell clusters, providing a new tool for studying metastasis and developing anti-metastatic drug therapies. The device's design enables the collection of viable human cancer cell clusters from patient blood samples, offering a novel approach to combatting cancer.
Researchers at Oregon State University have discovered two compounds, deguelin and rotenone, that can inhibit the metabolism of melanoma cancer cells, effectively starving them of energy. This breakthrough offers a new potential treatment option for drug-resistant metastatic melanoma.
Stanford researchers found that up to 80% of metastatic colorectal cancers have already spread to distant locations by the time the original tumor is clinically detectable. This discovery has implications for patient stratification and earlier detection of cancer.
A new study found that the protein CCN3 is a key factor promoting prostate cancer invasion of bone and predicting poor outcomes. High CCN3 expression correlated with shortened overall survival and bone metastases, while low-expression groups had better survival rates.
The Cytophone system uses laser pulses and focused ultrasound to detect pigmented CTCs in patients with melanoma, identifying 96% of cases within 10 seconds. The technology also destroys detected CTCs and uncovers circulating blood clots, a leading cause of cancer death.
A new pilot study demonstrated the feasibility of using molecular tumor markers to guide chemotherapy selection in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. The study reported promising progression-free survival and overall survival rates, with partial responses seen in 28% of patients.
A study by Melanie Rutkowski found that an unhealthy gut microbiome can make breast cancer more invasive and spread quickly. Disrupting the balance of microorganisms in mice resulted in chronic inflammation, priming tumor cells to disseminate and metastasize.
The ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group's phase three trial, E2810, found that pazopanib treatment did not improve disease-free survival in Stage IV patients with no evidence of disease following a surgery to remove the metastases. Average survival for these patients is about two to three years and long-term survival is uncommon.
Scientists at VCU Massey Cancer Center identified key biological pathways regulating tumor cell spread to vital organs. They discovered the SRC signaling pathway is highly activated in breast cancer metastases, warranting targeted therapies.
A new laboratory test could accurately predict which breast cancers are likely to spread and help clinicians select optimal treatments. The test, called Microfluidic Assay for quantification of Cell Invasion (MAqCI), assesses three key features of metastasis in cancer cells.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center discovered how prostate cancer cells develop to mimic bone-forming cells, enabling proliferation in the bone microenvironment. This understanding could lead to more effective use of radium-233 and development of new therapies to treat or prevent prostate cancer spread to bone.
A new device forces cells through tiny channels, detecting blebbing in cancer cells to identify metastatic prostate cancer. Highly metastatic cells exhibit more blebbing than normal or less-metastatic cells.
Researchers discovered that blocking PHLPP2 enzyme halts prostate cancer growth and metastasis without signs of toxicity in mice or human cells. This finding presents a promising approach for treating prostate cancer and potentially other types of cancers.