Metastasis occurs when cancer spreads to other parts of the body from where it originated. Cancer cells travel through the bloodstream or lymph vessels and can settle in other organs.
What is metastasis?
Metastasis occurs when cancer spreads to other parts of the body from where it originated. Cancer cells travel through the bloodstream or lymph vessels and can settle in other organs.
In the lab![]()
Even more encouraging is the fact that, in the experiments, which were carried out on mice, the cells that cause metastasis were not only identified but also eliminated by the scientists.
Published in Nature magazine
The study, led by the Spanish biologist, Eduard Battle (in the center of the photo), was published in one of the most important scientific journals in the world, Nature.
Eliminate malignant cells![]()
During the experiment, the cells that detached themselves from the initial tumor were eliminated with genetic techniques, before the surgery.
How was the experiment carried out?
In summary, the IRB researchers made an experimental model using mice to monitor malignant colon cancer cells, with the aim of tracking cells with a high probability of relapse known as High Relapse Cells.
Before surgery![]()
The new method proved to be efficient both for locating the metastasis cells and for preventing their recurrence, through genetic techniques, as previously mentioned. Prior to this, with traditional diagnostic procedures, early detection of malignant cells went unnoticed.
The importance of preventing relapses
According to the study itself, “approximately 30-40% of patients with colorectal cancer undergoing surgery to remove the primary tumor will develop metastases in subsequent years. Therapies to prevent disease relapses are still an unmet medical need”.
Colon cancer![]()
It is also worth mentioning that, according to National Geographic, “Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in the world. In addition, 90% of cancer deaths are a result of metastasis”.
Immunotherapy treatment
The Spanish newspaper El País quoted the scientific article and explained: “In mice with localized tumors, the scientists injected standard immunotherapy to clean up residual detached cancer cells before removing the primary tumor.\
Healed after surgery![]()
The complexity of laboratory tests
In an interview on the social networks of IRB Barcelona, Batlle explains: “We tested more than 500 different antibodies, to identify those that have a more effective activity in different patients.”
Conclusion of the study![]()
The result of the published paper says: “Our discovery reveals the dynamics of the cellular state of residual disease in colon cancer and predicts that therapies that may help prevent metastasis are those that aim to eliminate cells with a high probability of relapse.”
Optimism
The results of the experiment point to a promising path in the search for an effective treatment for some types of cancer.
Inhibit cancer stem cells![]()
In this same interview, Eduard Batlle adds: “In addition to preventing metastasis, immunotherapy treatment proved to be effective in inhibiting the activity of cancer stem cells in different types of solid tumors, such as colon, stomach and esophagus.”
Future
