A recent study led by Professor Vijay Tiwari at the University of Southern Denmark has identified a genetic signature comprising 177 genes that drive metastasis across various cancer types. This discovery challenges the traditional view that metastasis mechanisms differ significantly between cancers, suggesting instead a common genetic basis for cancer spread. Notably, the study highlights two key genes: SP1, which accelerates metastasis, and KLF5, which acts as a suppressor. Understanding the roles of these genes offers new avenues for therapeutic interventions aimed at inhibiting cancer progression.
The identification of this pan-cancer genetic signature holds promise for earlier diagnosis and treatment of metastatic cancers. By analyzing the expression of these 177 genes in tumors, clinicians may better predict a patient’s risk of metastasis, enabling proactive and targeted treatment strategies. Furthermore, the study suggests that existing FDA-approved drugs, such as Vorinostat, could be repurposed to block metastasis, potentially accelerating the availability of effective therapies for patients. Click for More Details
