Cells from primary tumors often spread around the body while dormant. They can stay in this state for years and even survive chemotherapy. When they awaken, they form an active metastasis – scientists at the University of Basel describe their discovery in the journal Nature. And they see it as an opportunity to fight metastasis.
“The period of such inactivity is an important therapeutic window, when the number of cancer cells and their diversity are still so small that the situation can be brought under control” – says Prof. Mohamed Bentires-Alj, head of the Biomedical Faculty of the University of Basel.
The studies were conducted in mouse models and on human tissue samples. Scientists investigated how breast cancer cells that migrate to the liver remain inactive or metastasize.
- Breakthrough in Cancer Treatment? It is a potential “Trojan horse”
“Natural killers” of cancer
The most important cells of the immune system are called NK (natural killer cells). They eliminate infected or mutated cells. They also produce interferons, which are proteins that are produced in response to infections and cancer. And it is interferons that are responsible for “sleeping” cancer cells.
In turn, the liver contains Ito cells, which inhibit NK cells, and this allows the “awakening” of neoplastic cells. Ito cells can be activated by a variety of factors, from chronic inflammation to infection.
- How can I reduce my risk of developing cancer? 12 WHO recommendations
Three ways to fight metastasis
Researchers saw several potential ways to fight metastasis. One of them is interleukin-15-based immunotherapy, which increases the number of NK cells in tissues.
The second way is to administer gamma interferon. In this way, the “switching on” of tumor cells would be prevented.
Both interleukin and interferon are already used in therapies. However, their effectiveness in preventing breast cancer from spreading to the liver has not yet been studied.
It is also possible to use new drugs that block compounds produced by Ito cells and awaken tumor cells from sleep.
«Our findings increase hope for the development of NK cell-based immunotherapy as a strategy to prevent metastasis. The next step in developing such treatments will be to show that stimulating NK cells can prevent metastasis in patients, »says Bentires-Alj.
If it turns out that NK cells can also prevent metastasis to other organs, it will be possible to completely prevent metastasis and recurrence of the neoplastic disease.
Also read:
- A trivial ailment or a cancer? 10 symptoms you should worry about
- Habits that increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer
- Cancer of the “real” man. Cancer attacks drinkers and smokers
The content of the medTvoiLokony website is intended to improve, not replace, the contact between the Website User and their doctor. The website is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Before following the specialist knowledge, in particular medical advice, contained on our Website, you must consult a doctor. The Administrator does not bear any consequences resulting from the use of information contained on the Website. Do you need a medical consultation or an e-prescription? Go to halodoctor.pl, where you will get online help – quickly, safely and without leaving your home.