When cancer spreads, we find growth of tissue in places it does not belong; like breast cancer in the brain or bones. Normal breast tissue would not be able to grow in these locations. So how does cancer do it.
In a new, and possibly groundbreaking study, researchers discovered that, in mice, pancreatic cancer releases chemicals in small capsules (exosomes) which release their proteins in the liver. These proteins inhibit the liver's defense cells (macrophages) and allow the spread of the cancer.
When the researchers block the chemicals, they found the metastases could not survive and were destroyed.
Although very preliminary, this new discovery could generate a breakthrough in preventing spread of cancer. Lets hope!
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