This “switch” could block the spread of breast cancer

In 10 seconds? The spread of tumors to different organs is the main cause of death among breast cancer patients. But in a welcome development, researchers have identified a protein that may suppress this process, raising hope that it will lead to new therapies.

What is the discovery? Researchers have discovered that a protein called BMP4 can interfere with breast cancer metastasis. This is important because one in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime and once the cancer cells have spread to other organs (metastasized), chances of survival become low.