New study lending hope that researchers can find way to slow or stop cancer spread
University of Alberta scientists are studying how to slow down cancer growth after learning cancer cells move faster in thicker fluids.
In a recent project with the Johns Hopkins University, the U of A's Lewis Lab helped to determine cancer cells become more aggressive – and stay that way – when the viscosity of surrounding extracellular fluid increases.
That change happens when a primary tumour compromises lymph drainage.
"Now that we know that fluid viscosity signals cancer cells to move in a specific way, we can potentially use drugs to basically short-circuit that signalling pathway and encourage cancer cells to slow down, or even maybe to stop," explained scientist John Lewis in a statement on Monday.
The findings were published in the science journal Nature in November.
Once a new therapeutic target is identified, it could take 10 to 15 years to develop and test a drug, Lewis said.
However, he added, "This is helping us build our understanding around how cancer cells move and it increases our chance of being successful with this whole approach."
The U of A researchers contributed to the Johns Hopkins work with their expertise in imaging human cancer cells.
They insert cancer cells into the chorioallantoic membrane of fertilized chicken eggs. The flat, transparent membrane can be interfaced with a microscope and enables researchers to take time-lapse images of the cells as they migrate and move.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires at suspected Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
Iran fired air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan after spotting drones, which were suspected to be part of an Israeli attack in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Ontario woman loses $15,000 to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
DEVELOPING Israel targets air defence system in Syria, state news agency says
Israel carried out a missile strike targeting an air defence unit in southern Syria, causing material damage, state-run SANA news agency quoted a military statement as saying Friday.
Some Canadian families will receive up to $620 per child today
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.