Research on how cancer spreads through the body. Covers metastasis monitoring, bone metastasis, and nanoparticle treatments.
Researchers have uncovered a novel function of the gene PLK1 that promotes prostate cancer cell migration and metastasis through epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). This discovery challenges previous understanding and highlights new potential targets for cancer therapies.
Researchers will test a nanoghost technology to deliver microRNAs targeting metastatic melanoma, while investigating heparanase for mesothelioma diagnosis and treatment. The partnership aims to advance global collaboration in cancer research and therapeutics.
Researchers found that breast cancer stem cells secrete molecules that allow neighboring cells to detach and metastasize. The hedgehog signaling pathway plays a crucial role in this process, suggesting that targeting it could reduce metastatic potential.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool have identified a critical role for stromal cells in the spread of pancreatic cancer to the liver. The study found that the protein granulin plays a key role in facilitating this process, and that targeting its expression may hold the key to stopping cancer from spreading.
Researchers found that CTC clusters can unfold and pass through constrictions in microfluidic devices and human blood vessels. This ability may contribute to their metastatic potential. The study suggests potential strategies to reduce clusters' ability to spread cancer throughout the body.
The International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) has launched ICGCmed, a platform that links genomic data with clinical information to guide personalized cancer treatment. The initiative aims to accelerate the movement of genomic discoveries into the clinic.
Researchers at the University of Michigan are developing a new strategy to combat cancer metastasis by targeting an enzyme called P-Rex1. Tumor cells produce high levels of P-Rex1, allowing them to spread and become mobile.
A randomized clinical trial found neratinib plus paclitaxel to delay central nervous system (CNS) metastases and reduce their frequency compared to trastuzumab plus paclitaxel in women with ERBB2-positive breast cancer. However, median progression-free survival was similar between the two groups.
Research from Lund University found that cartilage protein COMP is linked to breast cancer development and metastasis. Women with high levels of COMP experienced increased mortality rates, suggesting the protein may serve as an indicator of aggressive breast cancer.
A recent mouse study found that antioxidants in certain antidiabetic medications can accelerate the spread of colon and liver cancer. The findings suggest that these medications, which are commonly used to treat diabetes, may not be safe for diabetic patients with cancer.
A new study reveals a mechanism involved in lymphangiogenesis, specifically in corneal transplants and infectious eye disease, by inhibiting the overgrowth of lymphatic vessels. Galectin-8 promotes pathological lymphangiogenesis, increasing the risk of organ rejection and cancer metastasis.
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center discovered that liver metastases derived from colorectal tumors are more resistant to radiation therapy. The study found that gastrointestinal stromal tumors were the most resistant, while those from breast and lung cancers were more sensitive.
A study published in the Journal of Urology found that up to 30% of men on active surveillance for low-risk prostate cancer may have metastases. Risk factors include Gleason score 7 and presence of Gleason pattern 4 on diagnostic biopsy.
A team of researchers from the University of Hong Kong has successfully developed a novel strategy for synthesizing cortistatin A, a molecule with potent anti-angiogenic activity. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of more effective anti-cancer therapies.
This special issue on cancer metastasis features groundbreaking research on tumor development, spread, and treatment resistance. Studies reveal the role of hypoxia, neutrophils, and genetic evolution in promoting metastasis, as well as potential therapeutic targets for prevention and treatment.
By regulating protein complexes in blood vessel walls, researchers have identified a method to suppress leakage and edema formation. This discovery may lead to improved cancer therapy by allowing drugs to reach tumors more effectively and reducing metastatic spread.
Scientists have developed a mini-model of human body to test tumor responses to drugs and predict metastasis, aiming to pinpoint best treatment. The 'metastasis-on-a-chip' system has potential for advancing cancer investigation and drug discovery.
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.