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Nature Podcast
Why does cancer spread to the spine? Newly discovered stem cells might be the key
Sep 20, 2023
Researchers have discovered new stem cells in the spine that may be involved in the selective spread of cancer to this site. The podcast also explores the preference of certain percussion instruments among palm cockatoos and the math behind waiting in crowded places. Additionally, the effectiveness of MDMA in treating PTSD is discussed, as well as the upgraded X-ray laser that will allow researchers to capture ultra-crisp 'molecular movies' of chemical reactions.
23:42
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Quick takeaways
- Spinal stem cells play a crucial role in the preferential metastasis of breast cancer cells to the spine, providing insights for potential new therapies.
- Different bones have different types of stem cells, including the spine, and these spinal stem cells produce a protein called MFGE8, which contributes to the migration of tumor cells to the spine.
Deep dives
Metastasis to the Spine: A Serious Issue in Cancer
Metastasis, the spread of cancer cells to other parts of the body, particularly to the spine, is a significant concern in late-stage cancer. Certain types of cancer, such as breast, prostate, and lung, have a higher tendency to metastasize to the spine compared to other bones. The spinal cord is at risk when tumors grow and cause expansion of the vertebrae, leading to complications like paralysis and fractures. Researchers have recently discovered a new type of stem cell in the spine that plays a role in vertebrae formation. In a study using mice, the team found that breast cancer cells preferentially migrated to the spine, driven by the biology of these spinal stem cells. This finding provides insights into why certain cancers have a higher affinity for spreading to the spine and opens possibilities for new therapies.
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