Overcrowded Cells

When a tumor’s cells become too crowded, it signals them to begin spreading throughout the body, according to groundbreaking research published in Nature Communications.
 
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University observed cancer cell interactions using a 3-D human tissue model, rather than cells in a petri dish. At a certain density, they found, tumors released two proteins to tell cells to metastasize. Previously, scientists thought tumor growth and cancer spread happened separately.
 
The researchers then tested on mice a cocktail of 2 drugs known to block the proteins, successfully slowing metastasis.
 
Their discovery has yet to be tested in humans.
 
Source: The Baltimore Sun