CNIO researchers identify new target to prevent brain metastasis

Researchers led by the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO) have identified a potential therapeutic target to prevent brain metastasis. The study, published in Cancer Cell, reveals that cancer cells migrating from organs like the lungs or breasts to the brain enter a transient, adaptive phase similar to hibernation to survive the hostile new environment.

During this phase, known as micrometastasis, the cells are particularly vulnerable. The research team demonstrated that these cells can be eliminated using three drugs—two of which are already approved for other medical uses—in both mice and human tumor samples. While the study primarily focused on the brain, researchers observed a reduction in metastasis in other organs as well.

Despite these findings, clinical application remains a future goal. Lead researcher Manuel Valiente noted that current diagnostic tools and biomarkers are not yet capable of reliably detecting these micrometastases in patients. The next major hurdle will be transitioning this research into human clinical trials to move from delaying metastasis to preventing it entirely.