Reveal how cancer cells metastasize in the human body

Using a new experimental circuit, the researchers obtained unprecedented detailed images of the complex metastatic process of cancer, from the place of origin to other parts of the human body.

How cancer cells metastasize in the body

"There are still many things we still don't know exactly about how tumor cells migrate throughout the body, in part because even when using the best imaging technology available, we still cannot observe it. Determining how each of these individual cells moves into the blood vessel, the new tool has given us the opportunity to observe closely and more clearly this process, " said Andrew D. Wong, standing Early research from Johns Hopkins University (USA), said.

Small tubes connected to the microchip, which contain fluids that behave similarly to blood, allow scientists to study how metastasis occurs.(Photo: Johns Hopkins University).

Through a project that started five years ago, Mr. Wong and his colleagues have developed a tool to help them more clearly observe the complex physiological and biochemical interactions that help a tumor move. transfer to surrounding tissue and reach a blood vessel. The team also recorded detailed images of a cancer cell that found a weak spot in the vascular wall, pressing and squeezing enough to allow blood to flow through it.

Researcher Wong said that cancer cells will have a hard time leaving the original tumor site if they are unable to enter the bloodstream and reach remote sites. In fact, getting blood cells into the bloodstream can help cancer spread very quickly.

In experiments, Wong's group shot video of individual breast cancer cells crawling through a 3D collagen matrix. The material looks like human tissue that surrounds tumors when cancer cells break down and tries to move to another location. This process is called "invasion".

Breast cancer cells are metastasizing to other parts of the body. (Photo taken from the clip) .

Wong also collected videos of single cancer cells puncturing and passing through an artificial blood vessel wall, with inner membrane cells encased outside. After infiltrating into the bloodstream through this process called "infiltration" , cancer cells can "hitch" to other parts of the body and start forming new deadly tumors.

Wong's group then re-reproduced the processes in a tiny transparent microchip, combining artificial blood vessels with surrounding tissue. A nutrient-rich solution flows through artificial blood vessels, simulating blood properties.

The video records the scene of a breast cancer cell entering the bloodstream to spread to another part of the body.

"The new microchip allowed us to observe the key steps of cancer metastasis as well as test different healing strategies at a relatively fast pace. If possible, find a way to prevent one. In these steps of metastasis, we can find a new way to slow or even stop the spread of cancer , " Wong said.

Wong and his colleagues now plan to use their patent device to test different types of anticancer drugs to better understand how drugs work and how they can be improved. how.