Embracing cancer complexity: Hallmarks of systemic disease. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38552609/)

These scientists have been studying cancer for the past 50 years to understand how it develops in the body. They have identified certain characteristics, called the hallmarks of cancer, that help explain why cancer cells grow and spread. However, there are still many things they don't fully understand about how cancer affects the whole body and why it can be deadly.

In order to learn more, the scientists want to investigate how tumors interact with different parts of the body and how factors like the environment and our bodies' functions can influence cancer growth. They are particularly interested in studying how cancer affects aging, metabolism, obesity, and other health conditions. They also want to explore how the body's immune system responds to cancer, as well as how other systems like the nervous system and the microbiome play a role in cancer development.

To do this, the scientists plan to use model systems that mimic the genetic variations found in humans. By studying these models, they hope to uncover the reasons behind why cancer progresses in certain ways and how genes and the environment interact to influence cancer growth. Ultimately, their goal is to use this knowledge to develop better ways to prevent and treat cancer, improving the lives of patients and their outcomes.

Swanton C., Bernard E., Abbosh C., Andre F., Auwerx J., Balmain A., Bar-Sagi D., Bernards R., Bullman S., DeGregori J., Elliott C., Erez A., Evan G., Febbraio MA., Hidalgo A., Jamal-Hanjani M., Joyce JA., Kaiser M., Lamia K., Locasale JW., Loi S., Malanchi I., Merad M., Musgrave K., Patel KJ., Quezada S., Wargo JA., Weeraratna A., White E., Winkler F., Wood JN., Vousden KH., Hanahan D. Embracing cancer complexity: Hallmarks of systemic disease. Cell. 2024 Mar 28;187(7):1589-1616. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.02.009.