Scientists Find Enzyme that Spreads Cancer

By Stephanie Chennell

Scientists at the Institute of Cancer Research believe they have found the enzyme that leads to the spread of cancer. The spread of cancer from one part of the body to another is called cancer metastasis and is responsible for about 90% of cancer related deaths. The enzyme is called LOX and it works by sending out signals to the rest of the body. Once the signals are received the different parts of the body are more receptive to the cancer, allowing it to grow. Without these signals it is believed that the spread would not be able to occur because the rest of the body would too much of a be a 'hostile' environment.
This is the first time that an enzyme has been identified as having a key role in the spread of cancer, and is giving hope to scientists that they may one day find a cure for cancer. The scientists hope to create a drug that can stop the LOX enzyme from sending these signals, making it less difficult to treat cancer.