A new research confirms that tentacle-like structures called “invadopodia” plays a key role in the spread of cancer. This research, published in Cell Reports, shows that blocking formation of invadopodia can aid in stopping the spread of cancer.

There are an estimated 570,000 people living in the UK nowadays who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Each year, around 50,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer, and around 12,000 women die from this disease. With advances in medical research and care, cancer can often be treated with high success if detected early. However, after it spreads, cancer becomes much more difficult to treat.

Previous research has shown cancer cells are capable of producing “invadopodia,” a type of extension that cells use to probe and change their environment. However, their significance in the escape of cancer cells from the bloodstream has been unclear.

Novel research results confirmed the cancer cells formed invadopodia to reach out of the bloodstream and into the tissue of the surrounding organs. However, through genetic modification or drug treatment, the scientists were capable of blocking the factors needed for invadopodia to form. This effectively stopped all attempts for the cancer to spread.

Scientists suggest invadopodia may be an important new target for therapy, because it play a key role in the spread of cancer. If a drug can be developed to prevent invadopodia from forming, it could potentially stop dangerous spread.