Breast Cancer Treatment: Scientists Discover Protein That Stops Cancer Spread

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Scientists might have found a way to stop cancer from spreading and the latest study could help experts create an effective breast cancer treatment.

The research, published in the Science Signaling journal, brings to light how cancer cells move from one part of the body to the next. The scientists were able to track the cells' activities through a mapping technique. They also analyzed how it affects a protein receptor called the EPHA2.

According to the experts, when cancer cells make its way into the blood stream, it will remain stuck in the blood vessels. However, these cells will try to interact with the EPHA2 to control it and, if successful, the cancer cells will be able to spread in the rest of body.

However, this effect can only happen if the EPHA2 is inactive. Otherwise, when this protein receptor is active, the tumor cells cannot push itself into the blood vessels. The active EPHA2 will keep the tumor cells trapped and unable to escape or spread in other body parts.

Lead study author Dr. Claus Jorgensen pointed out that the next step of the research is find out how EPHA2 is kept active. "The tumor cells can't leave the blood vessels - stopping breast cancer spreading and making the disease easier to treat successfully," he said via Eurekalert.

If the researchers are able to determine more about the EPHA2's behavior against tumor cells, then they could potentially help the medical industry develop drugs that will target the protein receptor. The potential drug could end up saving millions of lives affected by the disease year after year.

Breast Cancer Organization cited that at least one in eight women in the United States could develop the disease in their lifetime, while Cancer.Org cited that breast cancer is becoming an increasing burden among Latin American women. This disease is seen as a death sentence among Latinas and it is usually discovered and treated in its later stages.

Though breast cancer rates have been decreasing in the last few years due to increased awareness and research advancements, the estimated numbers are still a cause for concern. Jezebel reported that men also develop breast cancer, although their number is less than one percent of women victims.

"This is important research that teaches us more about how breast cancer cells move," said Nell Barre of the Institute of Cancer Research in London, which commissioned the experts for the study. "More research is needed before this will benefit patients but it's a jump in the right direction."