A new study published in Cancer Research Communications has shown that breast cancer cells can exploit the lungs’ natural repair mechanisms to support their own growth and spread. Researchers found that, when metastasizing to the lungs, tumor cells trigger the body’s normal injury-response processes—but then effectively take them over.
As cancer spreads to the lungs, it damages the alveoli—the tiny air sacs that are essential for breathing.
Under normal conditions, the body rapidly activates repair processes. However, the study found that, in the presence of cancer cells, this process does not resolve properly but instead becomes prolonged, leading to chronic inflammation. This creates an environment that favors tumor growth. As the study’s author notes, ‘the lung does what it is designed to do—clear damage and repair itself,’ but in this case, cancer cells exploit that mechanism for their own benefit.
A key role is played by type II alveolar cells, which normally participate in tissue repair. Under the influence of the tumor, they begin to release signals that stimulate cancer growth. This creates a vicious cycle: cancer cells activate lung cells, which in turn generate conditions that promote further tumor development.
The researchers also tested the drug Roflumilast, which is already used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In mouse experiments, it did not directly kill cancer cells but instead disrupted their interaction with the lung environment, slowing tumor growth and reducing tumor size.
The authors emphasize that this opens up a new approach to treating metastatic cancer: targeting not only the tumor cells themselves but also the environment that helps them survive and spread. This is especially important, as about one-third of patients with metastatic breast cancer develop lung involvement, while available treatment options remain limited.
The scientists plan to further investigate how such drugs can be combined with chemotherapy and immunotherapy. They are also exploring the possibility of developing inhaled treatments that would act directly in the lungs.
