A group of scientists at the Institute for Research in Biomedicine, IRB Barcelona, have identified the cells that cause metastasis in colon cancer.
Adrià Cañellas Socias, a scientist who is part of the research group, explained that between 30% and 40% of colon cancer patients metastasize due to the presence of hidden cells.
The study gives the full name to these tumor cells that have the ability to migrate out of the tumor and make metastatic seeds.
The cells have been dubbed HRCs, High Relapse Cells.
These cells show little activity in the primary tumor, but have the ability to detach from it and migrate through the bloodstream until they reach the liver and lungs where they hide for a while.
Although this is a preclinical study that has not yet been tested in humans, it is a very important step towards finding effective treatments to counteract these types of cancers.
Research shows that through immunotherapy techniques used in the treatment of melanoma or lung cancer, it is possible to prevent metastasis.
Research on cancer and metastasis-causing cells in colon cancer
This type of research is being developed in different parts of the world and in recent years has yielded important advances: a decrease in mortality and better living conditions for patients.
Therefore, the research carried out by scientists at IRB Barcelona has yielded important findings with respect to colon cancer.
This type of cancer is the third with the highest incidence and causes around two million cases per year worldwide.
In almost all tumors, metastases usually result in death. However, research on colorectal cancer has so far focused only on primary tumors.
This is because the cells that cause metastasis in colon cancer are invisible to diagnostic techniques, since they are very small and spread.
The research was carried out through an experimental model in mice, which simulates the process experienced by patients who suffer relapses.
From this scenario, the methodology developed sought to isolate a tiny fraction of disseminated tumor cells that were hidden in the body.
About the research
The study lasted five years and involved more than 20 scientists at IRB Barcelona.
It was supported by the Generalitat de Catalunya, the Universitat de Barcelona and other research centers in Spain and abroad.
The finding opened the possibility of performing early immunotherapy to activate the patient’s immune system, even before any intervention.
