75% of cancer deaths are caused by metastases. New combination therapy has helped researchers successfully reduce the growth of metastases in mice. The experiments are so promising that a clinical trial should soon follow.
Is it possible to cure cancer and metastases?
If cancers are recognized on time, they can be successfully treated. In international comparison, Russia shows very good results.
However, even the best doctors reach their limits when the cancer has spread. Metastases are the deadly daughters of a tumor; they are usually more dangerous than the source of cancer.
So far, only a few scientists are looking for strategies to combat metastases. National and international cancer research continues to focus on the primary tumor.
Metastases are the leading cause of death in all types of cancer.
Tumors evade "surveillance" by the immune system
A tumor is almost never stable. During the course of the disease, she receives more and more hereditary changes. This is why it is becoming increasingly difficult to get rid of cancer - these genetic changes provide protection against human immunity.
A malignant tumor gets rid of surveillance by the immune system and becomes more insensitive to all possible therapeutic approaches.
However, the chances of metastases are minimal. If cancer cells enter the bloodstream, only 1 out of every 10 thousand people gets metastasis.
Tumor cells adapt their metabolism to the environment.
Cancer cells on the path to metastasis change not only their future environment, but also themselves.
According to recent data, tumor cells in a foreign organ must adapt very quickly to local metabolism. In some organs, especially carbohydrates are processed by the tumor, and in others, fats.
Such a change in metabolism in the tumor cell, apparently, should be done even before arrival in this foreign organ. Only then does a tumor cell have a definite survival advantage.
Antibodies Prevent Metastases - Animal Experiment Results
New antibodies can be the starting point for new treatments. In experiments with mice, scientists have already managed to disrupt the metabolism of certain metastases. If an important docking site for fatty acids was blocked, this led to starvation of cancerous tumors.
In preclinical animal studies, antibodies that block this fatty acid transporter have caused few side effects.
According to German scientists, these antibodies have led to a sharp decrease in the frequency of metastases in animal models.
Will antibodies help people, further research will show. It is already clear that there will be no common “blocker” of metastases. The characteristics of the tumor are too different - not only in metabolism.
Brain metastases are best attacked by slowing the growth of blood vessels, while other approaches to therapy are required in other parts of the body.
Experimental studies with the long-established active ingredient Avastin provide promising results.
New approaches to detecting and treating cancer
Breast cancer experts explain that immunotherapy is also used in the fight against metastases. Medical experts believe that treatment aimed at restoring the immune surveillance of cancer will cure many people.
However, immunotherapy only works in some patients. With an accurate analysis of tumor heredity, the frequency of successful treatment is likely to increase significantly. How it works best should show large-scale research.
Molecular analysis of tumors is still based on tissue samples. However, after several years, complex blood tests can provide information about metastases.
Researchers hope that in the future there will no longer be a need for a biopsy of a single metastasis. It will be possible to identify the genetic material of the tumor in the blood and then be able to prescribe therapy for it.
Some experts predict the emergence of prophylactic vaccines for metastases. Scientists believe that at least 5-10 years will pass before the moment when new drugs get into pharmacies.
