Research on how cancer spreads through the body. Covers metastasis monitoring, bone metastasis, and nanoparticle treatments.
A study confirms a curable state between single and widespread cancers by identifying molecular patterns that predict patient outcomes. Researchers found that patients with limited spread of disease could achieve prolonged survival with surgery or targeted radiation therapy.
Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute discovered that PKC zeta deficiency promotes liver metastasis through the inactivation of enzyme ADAR2, leading to increased secretion of miR-200s. Treatment with a compound inhibiting miR-200s reduced liver metastasis in mice with colorectal cancer.
Researchers at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center created tissue-engineered models of metastatic cancer that reflect the microenvironment around tumors. The models, which mimic liver and lung tissues, closely replicate human metastasis characteristics, including 'signet ring cells' linked to poor prognosis.
A microfluidic device developed by Lehigh University engineers can capture and release circulating tumor cells with high efficiency. The device's wavy-herringbone design and magnetic particles allow for selective capture of tumor cells while rejecting unwanted blood cells, enabling early cancer detection and treatment evaluation.
A new BJS study found axillary ultrasound imaging to be less sensitive for detecting axillary metastatic lymph nodes in women with invasive lobular carcinoma compared to invasive ductal carcinoma. Women with invasive lobular carcinoma may benefit from axillary biopsies regardless of ultrasonographic appearance.
Research suggests that bone cells can release signals driving prostate cancer progression and growth, especially when cancer metastasizes to bone. A study found that inhibiting BMP signaling in myeloid cells could restrict cancer cell production and tumor growth.
A recent study found that stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) can improve overall survival and reduce cognitive side-effects in patients with brain metastases from small-cell lung cancer. The study compared outcomes of 5,752 patients who received whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT) to those of 200 patients who received SRS.
Researchers used Bio-Rad's Droplet Digital PCR technology to identify potential epigenetic biomarkers for lung cancer recurrence and detect HPV cfDNA in cervical cancer patients. The studies found associations between biomarker levels and treatment outcomes, indicating the clinical utility of ddPCR technology.
New research confirms blood flow plays a crucial role in cancer metastasis by regulating the position of circulating tumor cells and their exit from the vasculature. The study found that slower blood flow rates are associated with increased metastasis development.
IDIBELL researchers discover EphA2 membrane receptor's role in tumor aggressiveness and metastasis in Ewing sarcoma. The study finds that blocking this receptor activity can significantly decrease metastases incidence and survival rates.
Researchers discover microRNA molecule miR-940 that alters bone structure in late-stage prostate cancer. The molecule promotes osteoblastic lesions, which can cause severe pain and structural weakness.
Researchers found that cancer cells from lymph node metastases can invade blood vessels and spread to distant organs like the lung and brain. This study suggests that lymph node metastases could be a source of fatal distant metastases, requiring targeted treatment.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago are developing a small drug molecule that can block JAG1, a cell surface protein found on triple-negative breast cancer cells. The new therapy aims to reduce tumor growth and metastasis, with fewer side effects than aggressive chemotherapy or radiation.
Researchers developed a new approach using biodegradable gels containing immune-stimulating drugs to deliver immunotherapy directly to the surgical site, preventing tumor recurrence and metastasis. The method showed promising results in mice with breast, lung, and melanoma tumors, offering hope for improving cancer treatment outcomes.
Immunotherapy has shown promising results in treating metastatic breast cancer, with a median progression-free survival of 33 months and median overall survival of 82 months. The treatment has been found to improve PFS and OS in both luminal and non-luminal subtypes, offering new hope for patients with this incurable disease.
Researchers established two new adrenal cancer cell lines and mouse models to test novel treatments, identifying PBK as a key target. A patient treated with pembrolizumab showed remarkable response with 77% tumor reduction, while a humanized mouse model also responded to the immunotherapy.
Scientists recommend regular brain scans for children with rare liver cancer due to its potential to metastasize. Early detection could increase surgical removal success and inform treatment choices.
Researchers developed nanoparticles to target liver sinusoidal endothelial cells with miR-20a, restoring normal behavior and reducing tumor growth. The study found an 80% reduction in liver metastasis caused by colon cancer, highlighting a potential complementary treatment strategy.
A new genomic classifier score predicts aggressive prostate cancer, potentially changing treatment guidelines. The model integrates gene expression biomarker risk scores into existing risk groups, increasing accuracy and confidence in treatment recommendations.
Researchers identified genetic patterns in primary and matched metastatic cancers, finding that cells often break away as a collection rather than spreading as a single cell. This insight may lead to better treatments or approaches to prevent its spread at the onset.
Researchers at Purdue University have created a lifelike cancer environment using polymer to better understand how drugs can stop its course. The 3D jet writer device produces polymer microtissues with pore sizes large enough for cells to enter, enabling the simulation of metastasis in mice.
Researchers found elevated mir-24-3p in breast cancer patients destined to metastasize despite best available therapy. High expression of mir-24-3p correlated with poor survival rate and specific gene expression signature in TCGA.
Researchers from DKFZ found that circulating cancer cells exhibit specific polarity, which helps them attach to endothelial cells and migrate into tissues. This discovery may help predict individual risk for metastasis and find therapies to reduce it.
Researchers found that repurposed leukemia drugs can inhibit the secretion of pro-metastatic cathepsins in melanoma. This is due to ABL kinases increasing activity, which regulates transcription factors and induces gene expression. The study also showed that approved leukemia drug inhibitors prevent metastasis.
A genetic variant of mutant p53 enhanced mitochondrial function, leading to increased tumor cell metabolism and poorer prognosis for breast cancer patients. The study found that this variant was associated with faster migration and higher ability to invade and metastasize in models of lung and bone metastasis.
ILC2 cells play a crucial role in preventing or slowing metastasis in lung and prostate cancer by unleashing the killing power of T-cells. Researchers have concluded that ILC2 cells may be a potent weapon in stopping cancer from spreading, offering potential treatment for blood-borne and solid tumours.
Researchers found that genes responsible for metastasis can also initiate primary tumour development, driven by the fly model Drosophila melanogaster. This discovery strengthens the notion that same genes can activate tumour growth and metastasis in some tumours.
The discovery reveals that the enzyme RIPK1 decreases mitochondrial numbers, leading to oxidative stress and potential cell death. This finding could lead to a new strategy for eliminating ECM-detached cancer cells and improving patient survival.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have identified a specific mechanism by which estrogen receptor-positive breast cancers become resistant to standard therapies and metastasize. DNA mutations in the estrogen receptor gene cause tumors to grow even without estrogen, leading to treatment-resistant disease.
A phase 3 clinical trial showed apalutamide treatment significantly delayed metastasis development in men with prostate cancer resistant to standard therapy. The treatment also improved survival and reduced disease progression symptoms.
Researchers at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) have discovered that levels of a key protein called LTBP3 fuel the chain reaction leading to cancer spread. Lower LTBP3 levels are associated with better prognosis in patients with certain types of cancer, suggesting it as a potential 'upstream' drug target.
A recent study revealed that patients with inherited DNA repair mutations in metastatic prostate cancer can derive similar benefits from treatment with standard therapies as other patients. Ongoing research explores the potential potency of targeted therapy with PARP inhibitors, which may offer additional therapeutic options for these ...
A new algorithm provides a comprehensive guide to managing spinal metastases, integrating specialties and offering personalized treatment approaches. The algorithm focuses on spine-specific issues and incorporates popular treatment paths, including surgical decompression and stereotactic body radiotherapy.
The foundation grants nearly $4.1M to support innovative early career researchers and breakthrough scientists conducting basic and translational cancer research. The recipients receive funding to pursue novel projects, with the goal of making paradigm-shifting breakthroughs in cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Researchers identified unique mitochondrial defects and alterations in metabolic gene expression associated with aggressive triple-negative breast cancers. The findings provide new molecular biomarkers to identify patients at risk for metastasis and offer potential therapeutic targets.
A recent study published in Nature revealed that gene duplication plays a crucial role in explaining the aggressiveness and early metastasis of pancreatic cancer. Researchers discovered that specific gene amplifications occur along various evolutionary pathways of the cancer, leading to tumor development.
International organizations IASLC and BTOG are partnering to spread awareness of revised lung cancer staging criteria. The new system takes effect this month and aims to provide better care for patients. Key findings highlight improved prognostic factors, tumor size measurements, and coding systems for lung cancers with multiple lesions.
A team of scientists has identified the protein kinase MSK1 as a key regulator of dormant or latent metastases in estrogen-positive breast cancer. The study found that tumors expressing MSK1 have a longer period of latency with no symptoms, reducing the risk of earlier relapse.
A team of researchers has discovered that chromosomal instability can cause cancer cells to leak DNA, leading to a chronic inflammatory response that enables their spread. This finding opens up new possibilities for targeting metastasis in cancer treatment.
Researchers at BIDMC found that high-fat diets can drive metastasis in prostate cancer by suppressing tumor suppressor genes. They identified a key environmental factor driving this process and discovered a potential drug to block it.
Scientists developed a method to analyze lymph node tissue, identifying patients with higher risk of secondary cancers. The study found that analyzing architectural features of cancer-free lymph nodes can help differentiate between patients at high and low risk of metastasis.
Researchers successfully identified pulmonary metastases in a patient with osteosarcoma, making it easier to locate tumors for resection. The technique utilizes targeted fluorescence and binds to specific molecular markers, allowing for the detection of small or hard-to-locate nodules.
Researchers have discovered a key cellular receptor involved in ovarian cancer metastasis, CXCR4, which can be targeted with inhibitors to reduce tumor cell dissemination. High expression of CXCR4 is associated with aggressive variants of the disease.
Researchers found that macrophages, which reside in healthy breast tissue, help early breast cancer cells leave the breast for other parts of the body. The study identified how macrophages and early cancer cells form a 'microenvironment of early dissemination' that can be targeted to prevent metastasis.
The new guidelines provide strategies for including patients with brain metastases in clinical trials, addressing the lack of data on drug effects in the brain. The approach includes three specific strategies based on initial understanding of a drug's possible activity in the brain.
A University of Hawaii Cancer Center researcher has identified a mechanism that drives cancer cells to move during metastasis. The study defines a signaling hub required for cancer cell movement, which may provide new therapeutic opportunities for brain tumors and other cancers.
Researchers have discovered that radiosurgery can be an effective treatment option for patients with four or more brain lesions, even when the number of deposits exceeds the traditional three-lesion threshold. The study found no significant difference in survival rates between patients treated with radiosurgery for 4-10 metastases and ...
Researchers at MUSC identified a mechanism that regulates signaling events leading to cell migration and metastasis. The study found that ceramide synthase 4 (CerS4) affects cell migration by disrupting the ability of cells to form focal points in primary cilia.
Researchers developed a simple MRI technique to analyze brain tumors, finding that immune reactive cells around the tumor are associated with longer patient survival. This non-invasive method could provide an easier way for doctors to prescribe the most appropriate cancer treatment.
Researchers found that low PUMA expression distinguishes stem-like cells in cancer patients who experienced tumor recurrence. Reducing PUMA restores metastasis in cultured cells, highlighting a possible Achilles heel in aggressive breast cancers.
A new drug approach targets breast cancer's stem-like cells, slowing their spread before metastasis occurs. Researchers found co-expression of integrin αvβ3 and Slug identifies these cells in up to 20% of primary breast cancers.
Researchers developed an antibody called 15D11 that blocks Jagged1, a molecule making it easier for breast cancer cells to metastasize to bone. The antibody allows chemotherapy to keep cancer at bay by eliminating the protective effect of rebuilders in bone tissue.
A Phase III trial led by MD Anderson Cancer Center found that talazoparib, a PARP inhibitor, extends progression-free survival and improves quality-of-life measures for patients with metastatic HER2-negative breast cancer and BRCA1/2 mutations. Talazoparib was associated with a 46% lower risk of progression compared to chemotherapy.
The IST Austria lab of Daria Siekhaus will explore the role of MFSD1 in metastasis in mice and humans. The project aims to understand its involvement in changes to proteins and their impact on metastasis.
Researchers at VIB-KU Leuven have identified Caveolin-1 as a key player in suppressing metastatic growth in lung tumors. By studying macrophages at metastasis sites, they revealed that upregulation of this protein hinders cancer progression.
A study by UMMS researchers has identified a protein called GDF6 as a primary role in metastatic melanoma, found to be expressed in 80% of human melanomas and correlated with increased melanoma growth and spread. The findings offer new therapeutic potential for treatment-resistant skin cancer.
Researchers focus on cell motility in cancer, a key characteristic of malignant tumors. They aim to control the motility of cells using existing drugs and develop new therapeutic strategies.
Researchers identified several lncRNAs linked to ovarian cancer, including DNM30S, which correlates with worse survival rates. Targeting these lncRNAs may represent a viable treatment strategy for ovarian cancer.
A new study confirms presence of Fusobacterium in liver metastases of colon cancer patients, correlating with tumor growth and colonization. The bacteria travels with metastatic tumor cells to distant organs, potentially aiding their colonization.
A team of researchers at UC San Diego discovered a specific gene module that predicts patient life expectancy and metastasis across nine cancer types. The study found that a constrained environment triggers the formation of blood vessel-like structures in tumor cells, leading to aggressive behavior.