Scientists Identify New Target to Prevent Cancer from Spreading to Bones

In a major breakthrough, researchers have uncovered a potential way to stop cancer from spreading to the bones—a painful and common complication in many cancer patients. Using CRISPR gene-editing technology, scientists identified a protein called ACBP that appears to play a key role in bone metastasis, potentially opening the door to more effective treatments.

The research, led by Dr. Li Ma, an oncologist at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, was published in Science Translational Medicine.

How the Discovery Works

The team used a CRISPR-based screening method to explore which genes might drive cancer to spread to bones. They introduced 2,302 guide RNAs into cancer cells, each designed to increase the expression of a different gene. This process revealed that cancer cells with higher levels of the ACBP protein were significantly more likely to metastasize to the bones.

Further analysis of human cancer genomes confirmed this finding: patients with elevated ACBP levels were also more prone to bone metastases. In lab experiments, mice with higher levels of ACBP in their bloodstream saw cancer spread to their bones more often. However, when researchers treated these mice with two compounds—etomoxir and IKE—the cancer did not reach the bones.

Why This Matters

Bone metastasis is a major concern for cancer patients. It often causes chronic pain and increases the risk of fractures, making life significantly harder for those affected. While current treatments like bisphosphonates help manage symptoms, they don’t stop the spread of cancer to the bones.

This new research marks a step forward. The compounds tested—etomoxir, which disrupts fatty acid metabolism, and IKE, which triggers a type of cell death known as ferroptosis—were effective at reducing bone metastases in mice. By blocking the metabolic pathways cancer cells use to survive and spread, these compounds show promise for future therapies.

A Growing Focus on Bone Metastasis

The importance of this discovery is highlighted by recent news that Former President Joe Biden has aggressive prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones. Although his medical team reports that the condition is under control, the case has brought renewed attention to the urgent need for better treatments targeting bone metastasis.

This research not only sheds light on the molecular mechanisms behind bone metastasis but also provides a strong foundation for developing targeted therapies that could dramatically improve outcomes for cancer patients in the future.