Will This Cancer Metastasize? Check Its “Stickiness”

Research news: UC San Diego investigators report a microfluidic device that measures tumor-cell “stickiness” (adhesion) from surgically removed samples as a potential predictor of metastatic potential. In mouse experiments, less-adherent cells produced more lung metastases than highly adherent cells. In human breast tissue samples from 16 women, normal tissue showed high adhesion, while invasive breast tumor samples were less adherent; DCIS samples showed variable adhesion. Authors emphasize larger studies are needed, including planned studies in DCIS and exploration in lung and prostate cancers.

Will This Cancer Metastasize? Check Its “Stickiness” (research news)

A UC San Diego-led team has developed a microfluidic device intended to assess the likelihood that cancer cells will escape a primary tumor and metastasize by measuring cellular adhesion (“stickiness”) in tumor samples. The work was funded in part by NCI and published March 25 in Cell Reports.

How it works

Cells from surgically removed tumor tissue are pushed through device chambers lined with a biologic material that supports adhesion, including fibronectin. Under fluid shear stress, the device sorts cells based on how readily they adhere to chamber walls.

Evidence reported

  • Mouse experiments: Tumors seeded with cells classified as less sticky led to more lung metastases than tumors seeded with particularly sticky cells.
  • Human tissue testing (n=16 women): Normal breast tissue cells were reported as very sticky, while cells from invasive breast tumors were much less adherent. DCIS samples showed unexpectedly variable adhesion.

Clinical context and next steps

Investigators suggested the approach could eventually help stratify metastatic risk—particularly in DCIS, where progression risk is difficult to predict—while noting larger studies are needed. Planned work includes studies in women with DCIS over the next five years and testing in lung and prostate cancer.

This is not a regulatory approval and the device remains investigational.

Sources