Experts Reveal Why Cancer Loves Spreading To Lungs
Lung metastasis is common in individuals with advanced cancer, with over half of such patients developing tumors in their lungs. Recent research may explain why the lungs are particularly susceptible to cancer spread. A study published in Nature suggests that elevated levels of an amino acid called aspartate may enhance cancer cell growth in the lungs. This finding could lead to new ways of preventing lung metastasis in cancer patients.
The study, conducted by researchers at the Flemish Institute for Biotechnology, found significantly higher aspartate levels in the lungs of both mice and humans with breast cancer, compared to those without cancer. Aspartate is an amino acid essential for protein production, but in this case, it appears to trigger gene activity linked to increased cancer aggression. The researchers also observed that this mechanism occurs in human lung tumor samples, confirming its relevance in clinical settings.
Aspartate activates a protein on the surface of cancer cells, setting off a series of genetic signals that enable cancer cells to adapt to their environment and promote tumor growth. While aspartate levels in the bloodstream remain low, its concentration in the lungs was significantly elevated in animals with advanced cancer, further supporting the role of this amino acid in lung metastasis.
Importantly, the research team noted that drugs already exist that can target the mechanisms driving lung metastasis. With further investigation, these drugs could potentially be repurposed to prevent or slow down cancer spread in the lungs. This study offers a promising direction for future cancer treatments aimed at improving outcomes for patients at risk of lung metastases.
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