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Scientists have discovered molecules released by invasive skin cancer that reprogram healthy immune cells to help spread cancer.
Targeting these molecules with inhibitory drugs may help prevent the return of this aggressive skin cancer after treatment.
The results of the study funded by Cancer Research UK are published in the Cell, today (Thursday).
Researchers at Queen Mary University in London studied edge cells of invasive melanomas in mice and human tumor samples to evaluate the effects of a protein they produce, called Myosin II *.
They found that high levels of myosin II in these cells not only made them more mobile, but also caused the release of chemicals reprogramming the immune system.
These chemicals affect the surrounding healthy immune cells, called macrophages, and divert their natural abilities to treat cancer. This means that instead of attacking the cancer cells, they end up helping them survive.
Some of these chemicals also make tiny holes in the blood vessels, allowing cancer cells to escape into the bloodstream and into new areas of the body.
Professor Vicky Sanz-Moreno, lead author of cancer research in the UK, a researcher at the Barts Cancer Institute at Queen Mary University in London, said: "This study highlights how cancer cells interact with one another. with the surrounding environment chemicals that alter the immune system could help prevent the spread of the disease. "
The researchers also discovered that one of the chemicals released by myosin II-rich cells, called interleukin 1A, was essential to make cancer cells more invasive. By blocking the activity of myosin II with different drugs, they reduced the amount of interleukin 1A produced by melanoma cells in tumor samples from mice and humans.
Professor Sanz-Moreno explains: "By using therapeutic drugs that block the activity of myosin II or the release of interleukin 1A **, we can make the tumor less invasive and slow down its growth, which makes it easier to treat. "
Medications that block the activity of myosin II are already used to treat diseases such as glaucoma, a progressive eye disease. Researchers are planning more laboratory studies to determine if drugs that block myosin II could be badociated with existing treatments for melanoma.
Sanz-Moreno adds: "We are delighted to know if inhibitory drugs could be used in combination with other targeted therapies.In identifying combinations of effective treatments, we hope that in the future, inhibitors of myosin II and interleukin 1A may be used to improve reduce the risk of recurrence of melanoma ".
Professor Richard Marais, director of the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute and expert in melanoma, said: "These interesting findings show just how fundamental research funded by Cancer Research UK is helping us understand the biology of cancer and how to develop cancer research. effective treatments for cancer patients. "
"Once melanoma is eliminated, some cells may remain, and this study shows that we may be able to develop treatments to prevent the remaining cells from spreading after surgery, helping patients survive longer."
Remarks:
* Myosin II is a motility protein present in many types of cells, allowing them to move in the body.
** Interleukin 1A inhibitors are currently undergoing clinical trials for colon cancer.
Source of the story:
Material provided by Cancer Research UK. Note: Content can be changed for style and length.
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