Biological mechanism explained: How lymphoma cells form brain metastases

Lymphomas in the central nervous system are rare but dangerous. Scientists at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) have now discovered which molecular mechanism leads to lymphomas forming metastases in the central nervous system. Using a mouse model, the researchers showed that chronic inflammatory processes in aging brains lead to lymphoma cells that have entered the brain tissue being retained instead of being released directly back into the blood. They also identified key molecules of this mechanism in tissue samples from patients with lymphomas of the central nervous system. The researchers therefore hope to have identified a potential approach for developing new therapeutic approaches.

Image: Mathias Heikenwälder / DKFZ

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