Scientists at Queen Mary, University of London, found the key to halting the spread of aggressive forms of cancer lies in moving a molecule.
That molecule is called Met, and it helps cells grow in the body. It's active during embryo growth and it helps heal wounds.
But Met is also commonly found in many different kinds of tumours, including breast and lung cancers, and it helps the cancers spread rapidly. In fact, tumours with high levels of Met usually prove to be the most aggressive tumours.
In the past, researchers have attempted to stop cancer spreading by blocking Met altogether, but the results were limited.
In this new study, the researchers simply moved the molecules from inside the cell to the cell's surface. The results were promising, stopping the growth of cancer cells in the lab and actually shrinking tumours in mice.
"Previous research has indicated that Met has a role in the development of cancer. We've made a fascinating discovery that, in some cancer cells, this molecule is not only present but it's located in the wrong part of the cell -- it would normally be on the outside of the cell and we've found it on the inside," said Dr Stéphanie Kermorgant, the study's lead author, in a press release.
"Our study shows that it's not only the presence of the molecule but also where it is in the cell that may promote cancer."
While cautioning the research is at a very early stage and more studies need to be done, Kermorgant said this breakthrough could eventually lead to better cancer-fighting medicines.
"It's early days, but this approach looks promising and could eventually lead to new drugs for treating these aggressive types of cancer."