New technology for predicting metastasis in breast cancer developed

Researchers have developed new technology that is able to predict metastasis in breast cancer.

Scientists from Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL) and The Institute of Photonic Sciences (ICFO) have worked together on a diagnostic tool that identifies the metastatic ability of breast cancer cells.

Study coordinator Angels Sierra, researcher at the Biological Clues of the Invasive and Metastatic Phenotype group of IDIBELL, said: "The algorithm for the discrimination of the metastatic ability is a first step towards the stratification of breast cancer cells using this quick and reactive tool."

Researchers found a correlation between the activation of lipogenesis and the amount of saturated fats in metastatic cells indicating a worse prognosis and a decreased survival chance.

The study was supported by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III, the former Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation and the private Cellex Barcelona Foundation.

It was recently announced Paul Little, Professor of Primary Care Research at the University of Southampton, is set to lead a new study investigating which individuals are more at risk of developing cancer.

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