By ScienceDaily
Publication Date: 2026-03-21 00:00:00
Why do some tumors spread while others remain localized? Scientists still don’t fully understand what controls a cancer cell’s ability to metastasize, but answering this question is critical to improving patient care. Researchers at the University of Geneva (UNIGE) examined colon cancer cells and identified key factors that influence the likelihood of tumor spread. They also discovered specific gene expression patterns that can be used to estimate this risk.
Building on these findings, the team developed an artificial intelligence tool (MangroveGS) that converts these genetic signals into highly reliable predictions for multiple cancer types. The study, published in Cell Reportscould lead to more personalized treatments and help discover new therapeutic targets.
Cancer as a distorted developmental process
“The origin of cancer is often attributed to ‘anarchic cells’,” explains Ariel Ruiz i Altaba, professor in the Department of Genetic Medicine and Development of the…