This paper identifies a group of genes specifically involved in breast cancer metastasis to lung, a finding that has been made possible by combining studies of selected cell lines in vivo, transcriptomics, functional verification and subsequent clinical validation. In many cases, the genes identified had not previously been linked to metastatic processes.

The genes found may have a dual role, and participate in either the primary tumor (the breast) and lung metastasis, or be exclusively involved in the growth process in the lung.
Most of the molecules identified as promoters of lung metastasis encoding extracellular proteins, such as growth factors, chemokines, cell adhesion receptors or proteases. It is worth noting that most of these genes do not play any significant role in bone metastasis, also very common in breast cancers. They are therefore selectively proteins involved in the invasion of lung tissue.

Dr. Massage’s group signing this paper suggests that tissue-specific metastasis must be determined by genes other than those included in the genetic pattern of poor prognosis Rosetta. Moreover, these genes are expressed only a part of the cells in primary breast cancer, cell group, if need be, will be invading the lung.

The genetic pattern of pulmonary metastases characterized it possible to identify cases of poor prognosis that have a high risk of developing lung metastasis.