Predicting if breast cancer will spread

March 7, 2025
UC San Diego research.

University of California San Diego scientists discovered a possible way to determine if breast cancer will spread.

The researchers used “a specially designed microfluidic device” for the study, according to a press release. The device categorizes tumor cells based on their adhesivity after pushing them through “fluid-filled chambers” and seeing how they stick to the walls.

UC San Diego reported a stickiness pattern was found when the device tested breast cancer tumor cells from 16 patients; people with less aggressive cancer had stickier cells than those with aggressive cancer.

Additionally, “the team plans to track DCIS patients over the next five years to determine whether adhesion strength correlates with metastatic progression.” The authors hope the device will aid disease intervention and treatment plans.

The study is published in Cell Reports.

UC San Diego release on Newswise

ID 55989370 © Kippy Spilker | Dreamstime.com
dreamstime_xxl_55989370
ID 85189765 © Monkey Business Images | Dreamstime.com
dreamstime_xxl_85189765
ID 341957989 © Maryna Auramchuk | Dreamstime.com
dreamstime_xxl_341957989
ID 186155212 © Noipornpan | Dreamstime.com
dreamstime_xxl_186155212