Italian scientists found metastasis in breast cancer

The resident correspondent in Rome, who cited a medical journal, Cancer Research on September 2, said Italian researchers at Milan's National Cancer Research Institute have identified mechanisms that lead to metastasis in breast cancer.

>>>Genetic testing helps change the way breast cancer is treated

According to scientists, this mechanism is an important vital factor to understand why the cancer spreads in the body. From there, will determine the direction of effective treatment regimen.

Artwork: ansa.it

Essentially, this mechanism is based on a protein called ostéopontin , which usually functions to regulate the processes involved in cell survival. However, this protein has a "double" function detected in a tumor.

Scientists conclude that, when ostéopontin is borne by a cancer cell, it is a factor that ensures the survival of cancer cells in a "hostile" environment .

In particular, if cancer cells are in the metastasis or spread to other parts of the body, ostéopontin acts as a "protective soldier" to protect the metastasis before the immune system. body fluids.

The above study has been tested on animals and then with volunteer patients suffering from metastatic breast cancer to the lungs.

The research team representative from Milan said the discovery would allow the development of new drugs to fight ostéopontin's reactions during metastasis.

Health statistics show that breast cancer is a common disease in women with the rate of 89 cases per 100,000 people; Of which, 5% to 10% of cases have genetic factors.