Protein that helps aggressive breast tumours spread cancer identified

A protein which helps aggressive breast tumours spread the disease through the body using non-cancerous cells has been identified by researchers.

Cells are recruited to invade tissues neighbouring a tumour by the Wnt7a protein, a new study suggests, eventually leading it into the bloodstream.

Scientists have known these cells, called fibroblasts, can help spread cancer, but had not previously understood why they assisted the process.