New! Sign up for our free email newsletter.
Science News
from research organizations

Scientists discover the origins of metastasis

Date:
March 9, 2022
Source:
Université de Genève
Summary:
Metastatic cells form in a primary tumor and then break away from it, migrate to other organs, attach to them and form new tumors. This spread reduces patients' chances of recovery. Scientists have discovered some of the mechanisms by which these cells arise. This is due to cells that have narrowly escaped cell death (apoptosis) following a chemotherapeutic treatment. Those cells reprogram themselves to acquire metastatic skills. Thanks to this study, these cells - called PAME by the researchers - now appear as new therapeutic targets.
Share:
FULL STORY

Metastatic cells form in a primary tumour and then break away from it, migrate to other organs, attach to them and form new tumours. This spread reduces patients' chances of recovery. Scientists at the University of Geneva (UNIGE) have discovered some of the mechanisms by which these cells arise. This is due to cells that have narrowly escaped cell death (apoptosis) following a chemotherapeutic treatment. Those cells reprogram themselves to acquire metastatic skills. Thanks to this study, these cells -- called PAME by the researchers -- now appear as new therapeutic targets. These results can be read in the journal Cell Reports.


Story Source:

Materials provided by Université de Genève. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


Journal Reference:

  1. Arwen Conod, Marianna Silvano, Ariel Ruiz i Altaba. On the origin of metastases: Induction of pro-metastatic states after impending cell death via ER stress, reprogramming, and a cytokine storm. Cell Reports, 2022; 38 (10): 110490 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110490

Cite This Page:

Université de Genève. "Scientists discover the origins of metastasis." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 9 March 2022. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/03/220309104441.htm>.
Université de Genève. (2022, March 9). Scientists discover the origins of metastasis. ScienceDaily. Retrieved August 8, 2025 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/03/220309104441.htm
Université de Genève. "Scientists discover the origins of metastasis." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/03/220309104441.htm (accessed August 8, 2025).

Explore More

from ScienceDaily

RELATED STORIES