Belgians make progress against Cancer

Researchers from the Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) have for the first time, discovered very specific differences between various groups of cancer cells. They have identified the cells that cause cancer to spread which result in secondary tumours that penetrate other organs in the case of skin and breast cancer – the two most common forms of cancer.

The discovery, which was recently published in the journal Nature, is a promising step that could pave the way for new cancer treatments. The Belgian researchers are also focusing on the two other tumour populations and may learn why current treatment can sometimes fail. They have discovered a molecule that can explain the difference in why certain tumours are resistant to chemotherapy and others are not.

Prevention strategy is still the best method in fighting cancer, and all should be treated as early as possible so nothing metastases. But research must be urgently carried out and encouraged into the most effective new treatments to help patients with cancer that has already spread.