FUKUOKA, Japan - A research team has succeeded in developing a method that could potentially curb a cancer cell’s ability to produce new lymph ducts and spread--the first time such a feat has been accomplished.

The results of research conducted by the team lead by Hajime Kubo, a specially appointed professor at Kyoto University, were presented at a meeting of the Japanese Cancer Association’s in Fukuoka.

Small cancer cells are carried through new lymph ducts, and these lymph ducts cluster together on the lymph nodes. During this process, a molecule called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-C), which stimulate the growth of lymphatic vessels, is secreted.

The research team created an antibody that blocks lymph ducts that have been given VEGF-C from progressing. The researchers then transplanted stomach cancer cells into mice. CONTINUES...........www.yomiuri.co.jp