ISLAMABAD: Scientists have made a major breakthrough in understanding how aggressive bowel cancer spreads in the body.
The research shows that bowel cancer cells can transform into skin or muscle-like cells, helping them become more resilient and spread more easily.
This discovery could lead to new treatments that prevent cancer from metastasizing and improve survival rates, especially as cases in younger adults rise globally.
Cellular Plasticity Drives Metastasis
The study, led by Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre and the University of Edinburgh, found that cancer cells lose their original identity, a process called cellular plasticity.
Instead of remaining typical bowel cells, they start to resemble squamous cells (skin cells) or muscle cells, which are tougher and can survive harsher conditions.
This adaptation allows the cancer to invade other organs, making treatment more difficult and reducing patient survival chances.
Gene Link to Aggressive Cancer
The researchers also identified a key gene, Atrx, linked to this aggressive behavior.
When this gene is lost or mutated, tumors are more likely to spread from the bowel to the liver, lymph nodes, and other areas.
This gene’s role offers a potential target for new therapies aimed at stopping cancer’s spread.
Bowel cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the UK, with thousands diagnosed every year.
Early-onset bowel cancer is rising, particularly among people aged 25-49, raising global concern.
This discovery provides hope for better treatments that can stop the deadly progression of the disease.
