University of Michigan study finds 'fertilizing' bone marrow helps answer why some cancers spread to bones

University of Michigan researchers found that administering a common chemotherapy drug before bone tumors took root actually fertilized the bone marrow, enabling cancer cells, once introduced, to seed and grow more easily. The pre-clinical findings provide valuable insight as to why some cancers metastasize to bone, and could eventually result in new metastasis-prevention drugs.

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Among the research institutions NCI funds across the United States, it currently designates 66 as Cancer Centers. Largely based in research universities, these facilities are home to many of the NCI-supported scientists who conduct a wide range of intense, laboratory research into cancer’s origins and development. The Cancer Centers Program also focuses on trans-disciplinary research, including population science and clinical research. The centers’ research results are often at the forefront of studies in the cancer field.