Mallorca bowel cancer study maps four tumour cell types
A Mallorca bowel cancer study has identified four types of tumour cell, distinguished by the fats in their outer membranes. The work, led by the Balearic Islands Health Research Institute (Idisba) in Palma, was published in eBioMedicine and highlighted by the Balearic Health Ministry on Wednesday, 23 September.
The researchers found that the different fat patterns are arranged in a particular order within a tumour. They also detected distinct features in metastatic lesions — cancer that has spread to other organs — linked to the metabolism of docosahexaenoic acid.
Clues to how cancer spreads
The findings offer fresh leads on how bowel cancer cells adapt and spread through the body. They could eventually support more tailored diagnostic tests and treatment for people with colorectal cancer.
Idisba researchers have also used molecular imaging and mass spectrometry to examine differences within tumours. A new platform for those techniques is intended to strengthen cancer research capacity across the Balearic Islands.
Eight specialist cancer teams
Idisba's oncology division includes eight specialist research groups, alongside other teams working on specific cancer projects. Their work runs from basic research and clinical trials to precision medicine.
Other projects are examining the spread of breast cancer, possible treatment targets in sarcomas and the genetic make-up of inherited tumours. Artificial intelligence tools are also being used to improve the identification of genetic risk variants.
The institute is searching for biomarkers that could help with earlier diagnosis and patient monitoring in breast and colorectal cancers. For advanced ovarian cancer, teams are developing systems designed to release drugs locally after surgery, while other research is looking at the link between lifestyle habits and cancer risk.
Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com