What is the new molecular mechanism of metastatic prostate cancer?

  In a research report published a few days ago in the international journal Nature Communications, scientists from the University of Tampere and other institutions may be able to help explain why prostate cancer metastasizes when the tumor is in the prostate. Through research, we clarified a special mechanism. When cancer develops, it produces multiple spatially mixed cancer cell clones. These clones invade the organs around the prostate, but only one major cell clone systematically spreads into the body.

  Therefore, it is possible to generate new intracellular clones during the metastasis process and mediate the continuous metastasis of cancer cells. Researchers also found that the spread or route of the disease varies from patient to patient. The genetic drivers produced in cancer cell clones may be able to effectively distinguish cell subclones throughout the body and which subclones are the only subclones. Limited to the prostate of each patient. In this article, the researchers analyzed samples from the diagnosis of 10 prostate cancer patients to deaths from metastatic disease. In this study, the researchers conducted a comprehensive analysis of the genomic evolution of local and metastatic prostate cancer for the first time. Researchers can detect these special evolutionary signals (such as biopsies) in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid of patients. Researchers found that analysis of circulating DNA in the blood of prostate cancer patients does not always detect the presence of metastatic cancer DNA. Once cancer DNA is discovered, the main cancer cell clones associated with cancer metastasis can be detected.

  In addition, the detection of cancer cell subclones also fluctuates. Researchers need more, because the use of liquid biopsy to monitor metastatic prostate cancer is not always a perfect reflection of the patient's physical condition, but it seems reasonable. Improve and extend these findings. Stephen Boba (Stephen Boba) said that the results of this article clearly show that the subclones of prostate cancer are not widespread. They only exist in the prostate and may not be detected in the patient's blood. Said. If the study proves that it can be carried out on a large scale, it may mean that the circulating tumor DNA itself can diagnose metastatic prostate cancer. Metastatic prostate cancer usually spreads to the brain and forms subdural metastases. Analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with metastatic prostate cancer can help identify men who are more likely to develop subdural metastases and cancer cells in the body. Subcloning of cancer cells may have specific therapeutic significance because they may respond differently to treatment. Finally, the researchers said, the study used tissue and liquid biopsy samples from 33 patients with metastatic prostate cancer. The researchers also analyzed the patient's medical history.