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Why does cancer spread to the lungs? Here’s what the experts say
New research into why cancer often spreads to the lungs has identified elevated aspartate levels as a key factor aiding tumor growth. Published in Nature, the study reveals how this amino acid accelerates cancer aggressiveness, offering hope for new treatments.
Why does cancer spread to the lungs? Here’s what the experts say (Image credit: iStock)
cancer Spread to the lungs is a common and worrying development in advanced stages of the disease. More than half of people with advanced cancer in other parts of the body eventually develop lung tumors. But why do lungs seem so attractive to cancer cells?
New research suggests the answer lies in elevated levels of an amino acid called aspartate, which helps cancer cells thrive in the lungs. The study published in the journal Nature explains how this amino acid promotes cancer cell growth and aggressiveness.
“We found higher levels of aspartate in the lungs of mice and patients with breast cancer compared to those without cancer. This suggests that aspartate may play an important role in lung metastasis,” said Ginevra Doglioni, lead researcher of the study and a doctoral student at the Center for Cancer Biology at the Flemish Institute for Biotechnology in Belgium.
For the study, researchers examined tumor cells from aggressive lung cancer and observed that aspartate triggered genetic activity associated with cancer aggressiveness. Aspartate, which is naturally used by the body to make proteins, appears at very low levels in the bloodstream but was found in high concentrations in the lungs of mice with advanced breast cancer.
The study also confirmed similar findings in human lung tumor samples. Essentially, aspartate activates a surface protein on cancer cells, starting a chain reaction that increases the cells’ ability to adapt to their environment for rapid growth.
This information can lead to important successes Preventing lung metastases In advanced cancer patients. The research team emphasized that existing drugs can already target the processes that make the lungs more cancer-prone.
“There are drugs available to target the mechanism we identified, and with further research, it may be possible to translate this discovery into clinical treatment,” said Sarah-Maria Fendt, senior researcher on the study. “
The discovery offers hope for strategies to keep the lungs cancer-free, even if cancer spreads to other parts of the body. As research progresses, treatments targeting the role of aspartate in cancer may provide new ways to fight metastasis and improve patient outcomes.
Lung cancer management
When cancer spreads to the lungs, it becomes important to manage symptoms and prevent further complications. Patients need to pay attention to:
– Monitoring respiratory health: Keep an eye on symptoms such as persistent cough, shortness of breath and chest pain and inform your doctor immediately.
– Support lung function: Treatments such as oxygen therapy or pulmonary rehabilitation can help maintain lung function.
– Nutritional support: A balanced diet strengthens the immune system and helps the body cope with treatment.
– Regular scans and follow-up: Imaging tests are necessary to monitor the progress and effectiveness of treatment.
– Emotional well-being: Counseling or support groups can help patients and their families deal with the stress of advanced cancer.
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