Breast Cancer Cells Disguise Themselves to Cause Brain Tumors

A recent study published in the February issue of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences discovered how breast cancer cells are able to spread to the brain — sometimes years after remission — and grow as new tumors. Scientists found that breast cancer cells can masquerade as neurons, allowing them to hide from the immune system and cross the blood-brain barrier. Taking samples from brain tumors resulting from breast cancer, scientists discovered that the breast cancer cells were using the brain’s most abundant chemical as a fuel source, the GABA neurotransmitter used for communication between neurons. Although more research needs to be conducted, scientists are hoping this discovery will lead to new therapies. To read more about this study, click here.