Advances in skin melanoma research: scientists introduce a new model suitable for analyzing circulating tumor cells

Scientists from the International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, and Masaryk University have developed a model of melanoma, a malignant skin tumor that spontaneously metastasizes to lymph nodes and lungs. The model will allow for highly precise experimental analysis of cancer progression and significantly simplify the testing of new drugs.

Metastatic melanoma, a melanoma that spreads throughout the body, is one of the most aggressive types of skin cancer and one of the most malignant tumors overall. Its mortality rate remains relatively high, although we have recently seen significant progress in increasing the effectiveness of treatment, even in patients with advanced melanoma. However, treatment methods still remain limited; this type of melanoma is known for its high resistance to conventional treatment methods, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgical tumor removal. Therefore, research into new treatment strategies is extremely important.

If melanoma is not detected early, the likelihood of successful treatment sharply decreases. Doctors therefore urge regular skin and mole checks. “Suspect signs of tumor growth are moles that grow, change color, or bleed,” warns Hana Jedličková, head of the I. Dermatovenerology Clinic at St. Anne’s University Hospital and Masaryk University Faculty of Medicine.

Recent studies have even shown that the spread of tumor cells from the primary tumor site to distant parts of the body can occur before the primary tumor itself is diagnosed. Cooperation between scientists from the International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), the joint facility of St. Anne’s University Hospital and Masaryk University Faculty of Medicine, the Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, and the Faculty of Science of Masaryk University has contributed to progress in finding new treatment methods.

Scientists in Brno have developed an experimental model of human melanoma in laboratory mice that metastasizes to lymph nodes and lungs. “Our created model of skin cancer spontaneously metastasizes to distant organs. This allows for the visualization and precise analysis of metastasis formation, including the study of circulating tumor cells. It will provide valuable information about the course of the disease, particularly the sensitivity of tumor cells to tested drugs,” explains Karel Souček, head of the research team.

We can better monitor melanoma progression Very little is known about the biology of circulating tumor cells, i.e., tumor cells released from the primary tumor or metastases into the bloodstream. Scientists have not yet fully explored the mechanisms that control their release and subsequent settlement in distant organs. However, the newly developed model allows for precise monitoring of the development of skin melanoma, which may provide answers to some key questions in the future.

“Reliable detection and isolation of melanoma cells in our experimental model enable real-time monitoring of progression and metastasis formation. In our developed model, tumor cells in the bloodstream were recognizable as early as the fourth week of tumor formation,” specifies Souček. “We have developed a model of human melanoma that simulates the course of the disease, allowing for the study of metastasis dynamics and the identification of effective therapeutic strategies. Furthermore, we have introduced a new method for analyzing circulating melanoma tumor cells.” The model thus has great potential to advance studies focused on the efficacy of skin cancer drugs and understanding and targeting cancer spread.

Experiments with laboratory animals were conducted in an accredited procedure for laboratory animal breeding at the Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences. The resulting experimental model is the result of long-term cooperation between this institute and the International Clinical Research Center (ICRC).

Jiří Erlebach
Spokesperson of St. Anne´s University Hospital
+420 543 182 006
jiri.erlebach@fnusa.cz

Martina Jelínková
PR ICRC
+420 543 185 546
martina.jelinkova@fnusa.cz