Researchers Describe Mechanism that Underlies Cancer Metastasis A key question has been how cancer cells are able to survive once they metastasize. Cells are relatively protected when they are attached to other cancer cells and their surroundings, but they become more vulnerable when they Lead researcher Stéphanie Kermorgant, Ph.D., from QMUL's Barts Cancer Institute, noted that "Metastasis is currently incurable and remains one of the key targets of cancer research. Our research advances the knowledge of how two key molecules communicate and work together to help cancer cells survive during metastasis. We're hoping that this might lead to the discovery of new drugs to block the spread of cancer within the body." 8 | GENengnews.com ADDITIONAL CONTENT Whitepaper Exploring the Hallmarks of Cancer with Real-Time Live-Cell Analysis Our understanding of cancer cell biology has progressed enormously since Hanahan and Weinberg published their landmark paper describing six hallmarks of cancer in 2000. Learn more about the recent advances in oncology research. Download Now sanjeri/ Getty Images C detach and float and normally undergo cell death. ancer cells appear to depend on an unusual survival mechanism to spread around the body, according to a research study led by Queen Mary University of London (QMUL). The scientists believe the discovery could help with future development of novel treatments to prevent metastasis and secondary tumors.https://www.essenbioscience.com/en/forms/white-paper-exploring-hallmarks-cancer/ http://www.GENengnews.com