Stress-hormone signalling protects spreading cancer cells from immune system
Nature
March 4, 2026
Metastasis occurs when cancer cells spread to other organs and escape elimination by the immune system. Analysis reveals that these cells resist killing by immune cells by harnessing stress-hormone signalling through the glucocorticoid receptor, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for preventing metastasis. Activation of glucocorticoid receptor in disseminating tumour cells enables them to escape immune detection.
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Originally published on Nature on 3/4/2026