Elimination of Cancer-Activated Cells May Nearly Eradicate Liver Metastasis

Recent research conducted by the University of the Basque Country has uncovered a significant breakthrough in the fight against liver metastasis, a condition often stemming from various primary cancers. The study, published in Hepatology Communications, reveals that removing specific cancer-activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) can virtually eradicate the presence of metastatic tumors in the liver.

Hepatic stellate cells play a critical role in liver healing, particularly in response to lesions such as fibrosis and fatty liver. They contribute to liver health by producing an extracellular matrix composed of collagen and assisting in scar formation. However, the research team found that these cells also facilitate the growth and development of metastatic tumors in the liver.

Experiments carried out on mouse models demonstrated that when HSCs are activated by the presence of tumors, they not only proliferate but also secrete collagen and promote the formation of new blood vessels, which supports tumor growth. The removal of these activated cells led to a remarkable reduction in metastasis, attributed to decreased collagen accumulation, blocked blood vessel formation, and an enhanced immune response within the liver.

Aitor Benedicto, a researcher involved in the study, noted that the elimination of activated stellate cells effectively removed the support system that metastatic tumors rely on. This finding opens new avenues for developing targeted therapies aimed at the tumor microenvironment, which could significantly improve treatment outcomes for patients with liver metastasis.

The study specifically looked at liver metastasis resulting from colon cancer and melanoma but also aims to explore the implications for other types of cancers, such as pancreatic cancer. Preliminary findings suggest that the liver's response, as well as the activation of stellate cells, remains consistent across different primary cancers.

With the rising incidence of colon cancer, particularly among younger individuals, the urgency for effective treatments has never been greater. Statistics indicate that approximately 70% of patients diagnosed with colon cancer will eventually develop liver metastases, which is often the leading cause of mortality in this patient group.

As the research progresses, the team plans to compare the behavior of the liver with and without the presence of stellate cells to identify the specific proteins involved in metastasis. Understanding these molecular changes will be crucial for identifying new therapeutic targets.

While the journey towards a definitive cure is ongoing, the advancements made in this study provide a promising outlook in the battle against liver metastasis. The research highlights the pivotal role of stellate cells in cancer progression and underscores the importance of continuing investigations into their deactivation as a potential treatment strategy.