撰文丨王聪 编辑丨王多鱼 排版丨水成文 数十年来，科学家们一直致力于揭示是什么促使癌细胞通过一种名为 转移 （ metastasis ） 的过程扩散到身体其他部位。这一多步骤事件—— 癌细胞离开原发 灶，开始在体内"流浪"，寻找新的"家园"继续生长，这是癌症的一个显著特征，与恶性程度高和预后不良相关，是导致癌症患者死亡的主要原因。因此，迫切需 要开发创新的治疗策略。 长期以来，科学家们认为，特定器官中的营养供应是决定癌细胞 能否成功 定殖 的关键因素。然而， Nature 期刊发表的一项最新研究颠覆了这一传统观点，该研 究表明， 单个营养素的可用性并不能决定癌细胞的转移偏好，而是多种营养素以及癌细胞内在特性之间复杂的相互作用共同决定了癌细胞的转移命运。 该研究于 2026 年 1 月 7 日发表在了 Nature 期刊，论文题为： Nutrient requirements of organ-specific metastasis in breast cancer ，哈佛医学院 George M. Church 、 Rakesh K. Jain 及麻省理工学院 Matthew G. Vander Heiden ...

Core Insights - Respiratory infections, such as influenza, may activate dormant cancer cells, potentially leading to cancer metastasis [1][2] - A study conducted on mice showed that respiratory infections can trigger the awakening and proliferation of dormant breast cancer cells, leading to significant tumor growth within two weeks [2] - Analysis of human data revealed that cancer patients who experienced respiratory infections had double the risk of cancer-related mortality, with breast cancer patients facing over a 40% increased risk of lung metastasis post-infection [2] Group 1 - The study published in *Nature* highlights the potential link between respiratory infections and the reactivation of dormant cancer cells [1] - Dormant cancer cells can remain in a state of inactivity, but respiratory infections may serve as a catalyst for their reactivation [2] - The immune response to infections may inadvertently create a favorable environment for cancer cells to thrive [2] Group 2 - The research emphasizes the importance of preventing respiratory infections, especially for cancer survivors [3] - Simple preventive measures such as wearing masks, getting vaccinated, and practicing good hygiene can help reduce the risk of infections [3] - The findings call for further research to expand sample sizes and deepen analysis on the relationship between respiratory infections and cancer [3]

Core Viewpoint - The study highlights the significant impact of respiratory viral infections, such as influenza and SARS-CoV-2, on the awakening and proliferation of dormant disseminated cancer cells (DCC) in the lungs, which may lead to increased cancer-related mortality and metastasis risk [3][14][15]. Group 1: Research Findings - Influenza and SARS-CoV-2 infections can cause dormant DCC in the lungs to awaken, leading to rapid proliferation and metastasis [3][4]. - The research indicates that the presence of interleukin-6 (IL-6) is crucial for the reactivation of DCC, as its levels increase following viral infection [9][12]. - CD4+ T cells play a necessary role in maintaining the awakened state of DCC, although they are not required to initiate this process [12][14]. Group 2: Clinical Implications - The study found that cancer patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 have a significantly higher risk of cancer-related death and lung metastasis compared to those who are not infected [14][15]. - The findings suggest a potential link between respiratory infections and the recurrence of metastatic cancer, emphasizing the need for further exploration in this area [4][15]. Group 3: Mechanisms of Action - The research demonstrated that CD4+ T cells limit the ability of CD8+ T cells to control DCC growth, indicating a complex interplay between different immune cell types in the context of viral infections and cancer [12][14]. - The study also explored the role of inflammation caused by respiratory infections in influencing dormant cancer cells, which had not been a primary focus in previous research [7][8].

Core Viewpoint - The research highlights a novel biological signaling axis between nerves and cancer cells, revealing that cancer cells can hijack mitochondria from neurons to enhance their metastatic capabilities, thus providing new therapeutic targets for cancer treatment [4][5][6]. Group 1: Research Findings - The study published in Nature identifies that cancer cells utilize tubular structures to steal mitochondria from neurons, which helps them withstand stress during metastasis [4][5]. - The research team observed a universal phenomenon of mitochondrial transfer between neurons and cancer cells, confirming that cancer cells with stolen mitochondria generate more energy [11][12]. - Experiments showed that cancer cells that had acquired mitochondria from neurons had a significantly higher survival rate when subjected to stress conditions, indicating the importance of mitochondrial transfer in cancer metastasis [12]. Group 2: Implications for Cancer Treatment - The findings suggest a need for further investigation into the mechanisms of nerve-cancer cell mitochondrial transfer and the development of targeted therapies to prevent cancer metastasis [15]. - The research provides a compelling metabolic explanation for the observed dependency of cancer cells on the nervous system, which could apply to a broader range of cancers [15].