Articles tagged with Metastasis
A new study from MIT reveals how cancer cells take their first steps towards metastasis by remodeling their environment, enabling them to migrate into blood vessels. High levels of the Mena protein, MenaINV, are correlated with metastasis and earlier deaths among breast cancer patients.
Researchers discover small peptides psaptides that can force tumors to regress by stimulating an anti-angiogenic response in healthy tissues. Psaptides mimic the naturally occurring human protein prosaposin, which stimulates immune cells to produce a potent anti-inflammatory protein called thrombospondin-1.
A new biomarker, PRAME mRNA, has been identified as a key indicator of high-risk uveal melanoma patients who are more likely to develop metastasis. This discovery may lead to the development of precision medicines for melanoma patients.
A new study by researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center suggests that precision oncology could be tailor-made for metastatic prostate cancer. A single metastasis within an individual patient provides consistent molecular information to guide therapy, and patients benefit from individualized treatment.
Researchers at Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center found that Gamma Knife and RapidArc radiation therapy for brain metastases produce similar results, with the latter being faster. This study offers patients a choice of treatments and highlights the importance of advanced radiosurgery technology in treating increasing cases of brain metastases.
Eliminating cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) did not slow or halt tumor growth; in fact, it increased the risk of metastasis when done too late. CAFs play a complex role in cancer growth and metastasis.
A recent discovery by FAU researchers reveals a mechanism that promotes metastasis and resistance to treatment in aggressive cancer types. They identified a gene set associated with particularly bad prognosis in breast cancer, enabling the development of biological markers for aggressive tumours.
Researchers identified Gabra3 as a key driver of metastatic breast cancer progression. The gene promotes cell growth and invasion when activated by RNA editing.
A Yale study applying evolutionary biology tools sheds light on cancer's genetic origins and tumor progression. The research mapped genetic mutations in normal, primary, and metastatic tumor tissue, revealing that metastases originate from different paths within primary tumors and can diverge early in cancer history.
Analyzing tumor DNA fragments in the bloodstream can give a more complete picture of a patient's cancer. Researchers found that standard practice of performing molecular testing on a single metastatic lesion may be inadequate, and circulating tumor DNA testing may better capture the molecular diversity in a patient's tumor.
A small minority of cancer cells in neuroendocrine tumors contribute to the overall growth and metastasis of the tumor. The discovery sheds light on the different functions of cancer cells, with implications for understanding tumor aggression.
Research suggests that cancer cells rarely form metastatic tumors on their own but instead travel in groups for increased chances of survival. These traveling cells differ from those within primary tumors and may be intrinsically resistant to chemotherapy due to molecular programs that facilitate their movement.
Researchers found that clusters of cancer cells migrate through the body together throughout all stages of metastasis. The study identified unique molecular signatures and genetic changes in these aggressive tumor clumps, including higher expression of desmosome genes and lower expression of antigen presentation genes.
Afinatinib has shown significant clinical benefits for NSCLC patients with brain metastases, including improved PFS (8.2 vs. 5.4 months) and ORR (73% vs. 25%) compared to standard platinum doublet chemotherapy. The drug's efficacy was particularly notable in patients harboring EGFR Del19 mutations.
Researchers at Georgia State University discovered gene-targets that may enable alternative treatments or new drugs targeting metastasis-promoting tumor genes. Biomarkers like enhanced neuropilin-1 and NEDD9 positively correlated with metastasis in endometrial and lung cancer.
Scientists have identified WASF3 as a solid target for reducing cancer's ability to spread. By interrupting its relationship with CYFIP1, they were able to suppress the ability of invasive human breast and prostate cancer cells to metastasize. This finding has potential applicability to other common cancers.
Researchers at Cornell University have discovered potent cancer-killing proteins that can travel by white blood cells to kill tumors in the bloodstream of mice with metastatic prostate cancer. The therapy has shown several advantages, including no toxicity and good results with low dosages.
A new study found that a blood test monitoring dead cancer cell DNA is superior at tracking the severity and potential spread of metastatic melanoma. This non-invasive test detected cancer recurrence in 85% of patients, compared to 54% with the current standard test.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine identified a metastasis suppressor gene called serum deprivation response (SDPR), which plays a role in breast cancer progression. Over-expression of SDPR reduces the incidence of metastatic disease in models of aggressive, metastatic breast cancer cells.
Researchers at University of Missouri-Columbia discovered that the gene Sprouty2, previously believed to suppress cancer growth, may actually promote metastasis in colorectal cancer. This finding has significant implications for understanding and treating the disease.
A novel PET/CT imaging method has been shown to accurately measure HER2 expression in metastatic breast cancer, potentially leading to more optimal individualized treatments. This non-invasive technique may one day substitute traditional tissue sampling.
A team has identified a second genetically distinct transmissible cancer in Tasmanian devils, which causes facial tumours indistinguishable from the previously discovered cancer. The discovery raises questions about the rarity of transmissible cancers and the vulnerability of Tasmanian devils to developing this type of disease.
A study published in JAMA Oncology found that surgical castration was associated with lower risks of fractures, peripheral artery disease, and cardiac complications compared to medical castration. However, no significant difference was observed between the two treatments for diabetes and cognitive disorders.
A team at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has discovered a novel drug that targets an abnormal RNA molecule called Malat1 in metastatic breast cancer. The drug reduces tumor growth by 70% and prevents metastasis, suggesting that targeting this RNA may be a promising therapeutic approach for treating aggressive breast cancer.
A new analysis found that nearly 60% of metastatic cancer patients experience some change in employment due to illness. Controlling symptoms is key for many patients to remain employed, with better performance status and non-Hispanic White ethnicity/race being associated with continued work.
Cancer cells use nanoscale bridges to communicate with healthy cells, leading to metastasis. Researchers discovered that disrupting these bridges can prevent cancer cell spread using pharmacological agents.
A new study has identified potential genetic alterations in penile cancer, revealing similarities with other squamous cell cancers. The researchers found a common combination of alterations in genes KRAS, HRAS, and NRAS, as well as EGFR, which may impact the tumor's response to an EGFR inhibitor.
Researchers found that vitamin A can reactivate the HOXA5 protein in cancer cells, eliminating relapse and metastasis. This approach offers a new way to treat colon cancer by targeting a specific biological mechanism.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have discovered that cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) rearrange the extracellular matrix into parallel fibers of fibronectin, creating a road for migrating cancer cells to follow. This allows CAFs to exert traction forces on the ECM, enabling cancer cells to move in a single direction.
The T-DM1 trial showed that the treatment increased median overall survival for heavily pretreated HER2-positive breast cancer patients by 22.7 months compared to treatment of physician's choice. The study also found reduced incidence of grade 3 or higher adverse events among those assigned T-DM1.
Researchers found that D538G and Y537S mutations in the estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) gene are common in ER-positive breast cancer patients, associated with poorer outcomes and reduced response to everolimus treatment. The study suggests that these mutations may predict different responses to therapies.
Results of a phase 1b clinical trial show ONT-380 achieves at least stable disease in 58% of patients with metastatic HER2+ breast cancer, including 11 partial responses and one complete response in patients with brain metastases.
A phase IIR/III clinical trial investigates whether surgery or stereotactic body radiation can control metastasis while continuing breast cancer therapy. Researchers aim to define parameters for determining which patients benefit from this 'weeding the garden' approach.
A recent study published in Cancer Research reveals that obesity contributes to metastasis in ovarian cancer patients. Researchers from the University of Notre Dame found that tumor cells are better able to metastasize when grown in a high-fat environment, suggesting potential targets for dietary and therapeutic interventions.
Researchers in Taiwan have identified a biomarker called Huntingtin interaction protein-1 (HIP1) that detects the most common type of lung cancer in its earliest stage. HIP1 expression was found to be associated with longer survival rates and reduced metastasis, suggesting its potential as a prognostic biomarker.
The TransLUMINAL-B project aims to study metastasis formation in luminal breast cancers, a common type of the disease. By understanding how individual malignant cells spread through the body, researchers hope to predict prognosis and develop more targeted treatments.
The study found that cancer metastasis is neither random nor unpredictable, with survival depending on the location of the first metastatic site. Breast cancer patients who developed metastasis in specific organs had significantly different chances of long-term survival.
Researchers found that a secreted bone protein called Sclerostin inhibits prostate cancer metastasis to bone. The study also showed that lack of SOST in the bone microenvironment promotes expression of genes associated with cell migration and invasion.
A new study by Siyuan Zhang and colleagues reveals that the microenvironment of tumor cells has a significant impact on cancer metastasis. The study suggests that the 'seed and soil' model, where tumors adapt to new tissues, can be used to prevent metastasis.
A new study by Cornell biomedical engineers introduces specialized natural killer cells that target cancerous tumor cells in lymph nodes, eliminating metastases. The 'super natural killer cells' use liposomes armed with TRAIL to induce apoptosis and prevent lymphatic spread of cancer.
Researchers discovered peptides that inhibit metastatic spreading and even lead to regression of existing metastases in pancreatic cancer models. The CD44v6 protein drives the spread of tumor cells, but small segments of the protein can be successfully inhibited by peptides.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have created an antibody that selectively links to a protein on highly aggressive brain cancer cells, causing them to light up in PET scanners. This breakthrough could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment of glioblastoma multiforme, a deadly form of brain cancer.
A new clinical trial is proposed to investigate the best ways for identifying and treating advanced breast cancer patients who can survive for long periods without their disease progressing. The guidelines emphasize the importance of harnessing technology to improve cancer treatment, particularly for patients in remote areas.
Patient advocates urge medical professionals and policymakers to consider the long-term effects of advanced breast cancer treatments. They highlight the need for accessible therapies that extend patients' lives, while also addressing financial, employment, and family challenges associated with prolonged illness. Experts note that curre...
A TSRI team has been awarded a $1.8 million grant to investigate the molecular mechanisms behind cancer metastasis. The research could lead to new approaches to help patients by targeting specific molecules involved in tumor cell survival and metastasis.
A new study from TSRI found that high levels of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) encourage blood vessel growth in early tumor development, facilitating cancer cell dissemination and metastasis. The findings highlight the urgent need for new methods to diagnose cancers early and new treatments to fight growing metastases.
Researchers have identified specific combinations of integrins associated with metastasis to certain organs, including lungs and liver. These 'zip code' proteins guide tumour cells to specific locations, supporting Paget's 'seed and soil' theory.
Researchers developed a new tumor marker test that may predict breast cancer spread to the brain, based on alpha B-crystallin levels in breast tumors. The test found nearly three times higher likelihood of brain metastasis in women with alpha B-crystallin expression.
Researchers found that tumor suppressor protein PTEN is lost in brain cancer cells but restored once they migrate to other organs. This reversible loss enables brain metastases growth and protects against cell death.
Researchers at Yale University have identified a rare genetic mutation that significantly extends the survival of lung cancer patients with brain metastases. Patients with this mutation live an average of four years with controlled disease in their brains nearly a year after initial treatment.
Researchers found that antioxidants can allow melanoma cells to survive and spread more quickly in mice. The study suggests that cancer cells benefit more from antioxidants than normal cells do, raising concerns about the use of dietary antioxidants by patients with cancer.
A new study shows that surgical removal of abdominal metastases can significantly improve overall survival for patients with stage IV melanoma. In this comprehensive study of over 1,600 patients, surgeons found that surgical resection provided a median survival time of 18 months compared to seven months for nonsurgical patients.
Researchers found that patients who underwent surgery for abdominal metastases lived nearly 2.5 times longer than those treated with drug therapy alone, with an average survival of 18 months compared to seven months. Surgical resection may even offer a cure in certain patients, especially when combined with immunotherapy.
Scientists at Tufts University developed an AI approach to illuminate cellular processes and suggest possible targets for aberrant development. The method was applied to tadpoles, where melanoma-like cells deviated from normal development, indicating a group dynamic rather than single-cell decisions.
A new study reveals that brain metastases carry distinct genetic profiles compared to primary tumors, suggesting divergent evolutionary pathways and potential sensitivity to targeted therapy drugs. The research identifies clinically significant mutations in over half of patients' brain metastases.
Researchers found that brain metastases share some genetic similarities with the primary tumor but also have key differences, including potential drug targets in over half of patients. Genetic analysis of brain metastases could reveal new treatment options, especially when compared to primary tumors.
The Parsortix system demonstrated comparable speed in capturing CTCs for prostate cancer compared to existing methods, while also showing improved capture of CTCs responsible for metastatic cancer. The technology offers a promising approach to detect and treat metastatic cancer.
Scientists from UC San Francisco capture and study individual metastatic breast cancer cells, finding they express genes similar to mammary stem cells, which could lead to targeted therapies. The research suggests a new approach to understanding how cancer spreads and developing effective treatments.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that patients with metastatic cancer are at high risk of venous thromboembolism after surgery, and a personalized approach to anticoagulation therapy is needed. The study suggests that the primary type of cancer may play a role in determining the risk for blood clots.
Scientists at TGen discovered 21 genes with increased methylation that could indicate metastatic breast cancer. A blood-based test using this signature may help improve treatment for women at risk of recurrence.