|
Scientists track way cancer spreads
SCIENTISTS have discovered how cancer spreads from a primary site to other places in the body in a finding that could open doors for new ways of treating and preventing advanced disease.
Instead of a cell breaking off from a tumour and travelling through the blood to another organ where it forms a secondary tumour, or metastasis, researchers in the US have shown that the cancer sends out envoys to prepare the new site.
Intercepting these, or blocking their action with drugs, might help to prevent the spread of cancer.
"We are looking at all the earlier steps that are involved in metastasis that we weren't previously aware of. It is complex but we are opening the door to all these things that occur before the tumour cell implants itself," said Professor David Lyden, of Cornell University in New York.
"This is the first time anyone has discovered what we call the pre-metastatic niche. Without the landing pad, the cancerous cell could not colonise the organ."
| 
