Cercetătorii au descoperit 'trucul' prin care celulele canceroase supraviețuiesc

Researchers have discovered a mechanism that allows aggressive cancer types to survive without their usual energy source, potentially improving treatment effectiveness. The study focused on aggressive breast and pancreatic cancers surrounded by dense extracellular matrix tissue. This matrix can constitute up to 90% of the mass of these tumors. Cancer cells adapt by using collagen to survive when glucose levels drop, activating signals that enable them to absorb essential amino acids. Blocking a transporter protein called LAT1 can deprive cancer cells of vital nutrients. This discovery may lead to new therapies that slow cancer growth and enhance the effectiveness of existing treatments.