New prospects on the spread of tumors

In cancer therapy, preventing tumour spread is one of the greatest challenges. Cancer cells are able to change their micro-environment physico-chemically and adapt their behaviour according to the new conditions. This is where the researchers have found an appropriate solution: Using a mathematical model, they investigated how diverse and complex environments affect the spread of the tumour.

To this end, they identified the plasticity, i.e., the adaptability of cancer cells, as a possible key factor. However, this is not automatically beneficial. The tumour can show its adaptability, especially in complex environments. The less complex the environment, the more cancer cells can spread. This also implies that in vitro experiments investigating the invasion mechanisms of cancer cells should simulate the actual complex microconditions.

On the basis of their findings, the scientists have not yet developed a new therapy, but a promising theoretical approach for further research aimed at the oppression of cancer cell plasticity.

More information:
Katrin Talkenberger et al, Amoeboid-mesenchymal migration plasticity promotes invasion only in complex heterogeneous microenvironments, Scientific Reports (2017). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-09300-3

Provided by Dresden University of Technology