adenomatous (precancerous) polyps tagged posts

Targeting metastasis-initiating cells through the fatty acid receptor CD36

A specific protein, CD36 found in the cell membranes of tumour cells, is responsible for taking up fatty acids. This unique CD36 activity and dependence on fatty acids distinguishes metastasis-initiating cells from other tumour cells. The work was published today in the journal Nature. Professor Benitah’s team found CD36 was present on metastatic cancer cells from patients with a range of different tumours including oral tumours, melanoma skin cancer, ovarian, bladder, lung and breast cancer. To confirm its essential role in cancer spread, they added CD36 to non-metastatic cancer cells which then caused the cells to become metastatic.

“Although we have not yet tested this in all tumour types, we can state that CD36 ...

A novel test shows a difference in the Raman spectra of the blood plasma of people without colon cancer compared to those with precancerous or cancerous polyps. Credit: Haishan Zeng, BC Cancer Agency

It shows the simple fingerprint for cancerous growth and precancerous polyps. It may yield a cheaper and less invasive initial screening test for colon cancer that could complement colonoscopy, though further clinical trials will need to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of the blood test before it is routinely used.

“This is a screening technology you can use on anybody,” said Haishan Zeng, BC Cancer Agency, who led the study...