Cancer doesn't explode suddenly, but grows slowly, often for years, remaining invisible. Then something changes, and the disease accelerates, becoming more aggressive and difficult to control. This crucial transition is the focus of an Italian study coordinated by the Pascale Institute in Naples, along with other research centers, which has identified the mechanism underlying this transformation.
The research, published in the Journal of Translational Medicine, describes the phenomenon with a clear image: an "engine" that starts up. Oncologist Alessandro Ottaiano, lead author of the study, explains the process: "The tumor goes through a long, silent phase, during which cells accumulate mutations without any noticeable effects. During this phase, the body is still able to repair the damage."
The turning point comes when DNA repair systems begin to lose effectiveness. "When this balance is disrupted," Ottaiano continues, "the engine kicks in: tumor cells become more aggressive, grow faster, and take over."
Understanding this moment represents a key step for medicine. Identifying the stage at which the tumor changes its behavior could allow for earlier diagnoses and more targeted treatments, thanks in part to the integration of genetic analysis and artificial intelligence tools capable of predicting the disease's progression.
The emerging perspective isn't one of an immediate revolution in treatment, but rather of a shift in approach. "Cancer is, ultimately, an accelerated evolutionary process," Ottaiano emphasizes. "The cells best suited to survival are selected and end up dominating. It's not just about destroying the tumor, but preventing it from accelerating."
This concept paves the way for different therapeutic strategies, aimed not only at eliminating diseased cells but also at slowing their progression. "Understanding when a tumor is about to shift gears can make a difference," he adds, "because it allows for earlier and more effective intervention."
Prevention remains central, as it can reduce the number of mutations that cause the disease. "A healthy diet, physical activity, not smoking, and avoiding harmful substances are essential," Ottaiano concludes. "Stopping cancer today also means preventing that hidden engine from ever starting up."
In short
The tumor does not suddenly explode, but grows slowly, often for years, remaining invisible.
- Then something changes and the disease accelerates, becoming more aggressive and difficult to control.
- It is at this crucial point that an Italian study coordinated by the Pascale Institute in Naples, together with other centers, focuses...
- The research, published in the Journal of Translational Medicine, describes the phenomenon with a clear image: an “engine” that starts up.
Key questions
What is the main point of the news?
The tumor does not suddenly explode, but grows slowly, often for years, remaining invisible.
Why is this news relevant?
Then something changes and the disease accelerates, becoming more aggressive and difficult to control.
Which detail helps us understand the case better?
It is at this crucial point that an Italian study coordinated by the Pascale Institute of Naples, together with other research centers, focuses...
Interesting article but it's not very clear, the concept seems right but many doubts remain, it talks about an engine that turns on but it's not explained precisely when and how, genetic techniques and artificial intelligence are promising but not yet effective, more data, long studies and confirmations would be needed