We have recently found that fractones are omnipresent in cancer. Analysis of fractone-markers in patients with glioblastoma, intestine and stomach carcinoma, kidney, liver, lung and ovary tumors revealed numerous fractones while basement membranes were usually absent. This indicates a change in the extracellular matrix (microenvironment) that may rewire tumor cells and promote growth and proliferation.
We hypothesize that cancer-associated fractones capture growth factors for their own benefit to ultimately develop tumor masses. Research on cancer-associated fractones may provide insights into the mechanisms of cancer progression and may help design new therapies for fighting cancer.
A collaboration with Laurent Corcos, DR Inserm, UMR 1078, Brest, has started in this direction.