Researchers at the Molecular Signaling in Cancer Group at Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), who are part of the ProCURE program of the Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), have identified a key cellular receptor in the processes of metastasis in ovarian cancer. The finding, published in the journal Molecular Cancer Therapeutics, leads to test the use of inhibitors of this receptor as a therapeutic target in the most aggressive forms of the disease.

The team found a link between the expression of CXCR4 receptor in ovarian tumor cells and their potential to spread through the bloodstream. CXCR4 is a receptor involved in the movement of blood cells, especially those located in the bone marrow, which had been previously associated with processes in breast cancer spread.

In orthotopic models, researchers demonstrated that administration of inhibitors of CXCR4 in those cancers where previously studies detected elevated expression of this receptor largely prevented the spread of tumor cells in the blood and into the peritoneum. In parallel, they also observed that genetic elimination of CXCR4 in cell cultures leads to slower tumor growth and lower percentage of dissemination.

A late diagnosis

The diagnosis of ovarian cancer is usually late: in 80% of cases, patients already have metastases or peritoneal disseminations that may affect other vital organs such as the stomach, kidney, or lung, among others. Moreover, while it is true that the combination of surgery and chemotherapy with platinum derivatives works very well, the percentage of disease recurrence after two years is 70%.

The researchers believe that the study of how tumor cells spread is essential to understand and improve the prognosis of the disease. Their research focuses on identifying the molecules involved in this spread, which is often accompanied by an accumulation of fluid in the peritoneum (ascites), and ends spreading through the bloodstream.

“If we identify the factors driving the movement of tumor cells in these areas, we can try to block them to minimize the chances of metastasis,” says Agnès Figueras, first author of the study.

 

Source: SINC