Study reveals cancer cells’ ability to communicate over long distances
Scientists in Switzerland have discovered that cancer cells use tiny bioparticles known as exosomes to communicate and send information via the bloodstream. This breakthrough could help in the development of cancer immunotherapy techniques.
This content was published on
2 minutes
EPFL/sb
Português
pt
Estudo revela capacidade das células cancerosas em se comunicar em longas distâncias
Exosomes are microscopic spheres less than 100 nanometres in size secreted from most cells in the body. They contain information on the form of nucleic acids, proteins and markers, and help transfer data between cells.
“It was a huge surprise, we didn’t expect to find so many melanoma cancer cell markers in blood exosomes,” said Hubert Girault, head of the Laboratory of Physical and Analytical Electrochemistry at the Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL) in Valais.
The findingsExternal link, published in the journal Chem, offer insights into how cancer cells communicate and send information around the body.
EPFL researcher Yingdi Zhu used cell culture and mass spectrometry to isolate melanoma cancer cell exosomes. She was able to identify cancer cell markers in exosomes for each stage of melanoma growth.
When analysing the blood exosomes of melanoma patients, the researchers found large quantities of cancer cell markers. The blood collects and transports all the exosomes that the body generates.
While healthy cells usually produce exosomes in small quantities, cancer cells produce many more. But it was previously thought that these would be so diluted in the blood that they would be hard to detect.
Up to now, it was thought that cancer cells were unable to communicate over longer distances within the body. This inter-cellular communication is thought to facilitate the spread of cancer cells by preparing tissue for metastasis.
The team also found that the markers offer an indication of how developed the tumour is. This means that a simple blood test, rather than a biopsy, could provide information about the presence of a tumour and its stage, and perhaps even be used to predict therapeutic responses. This would help to speed up the diagnostic process.
Protein in abdominal fat could help shape obesity treatment
This content was published on
The study analysed fat cells from different locations in the body, and found that those in the abdomen have unique properties.
North African asylum claims fall after rapid Swiss processing
This content was published on
The accelerated procedure, now out of its test phase, has resulted in a significant drop in applications from North African countries.
This content was published on
The artist's song "The Code" focuses on their journey as a nonbinary individual. It is one of the favourites to win this year's contest.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
This content was published on
Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
This content was published on
St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Roche develops tool for one-day cancer diagnosis
This content was published on
Swiss pharmaceutical company Roche has launched a diagnostic tool for breast and gastric cancer patients with specific HER2 genetic mutations.
Swiss cancer research yields breast-saving fat, better detection
This content was published on
The incidence of breast cancer in Switzerland is high, but research offers hope – especially the finding that cancer cells can be converted into fat.
This content was published on
About 40% of Geneva's residents are non-Swiss, and many speak English. ESCA helps expats diagnosed with cancer understand their treatment options.
This content was published on
Researchers in Switzerland have found a new cell type in the body’s fat depots which can actively suppress fat cell formation.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.