Elucidation of the cancer microenvironment for the development of STAS in lung adenocarcinoma as a fundamental of the development of markers for pathological search and preoperative diagnosis

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K08908
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 55040:Respiratory surgery-related
• Research Institution: Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Yaoi Takeshi 京都府立医科大学, 医学(系)研究科(研究院), 助教 (40311914)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 井上 匡美 京都府立医科大学, 医学(系)研究科(研究院), 教授 (10379232) ; 丹藤 創 京都府立医科大学, 医学(系)研究科(研究院), 助教 (80423870)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 肺腺癌 / 非小細胞肺癌 / STAS / 空間トランスクリプトミクス / 細胞系譜 / CD44 / 腫瘍不均一性

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In recent years, scientists have discovered that cancer cells can spread from the main tumor into the small air sacs in the lungs, a process called STAS. This spreading is linked to worse outcomes in lung adenocarcinoma, a common type of lung cancer. However, we still don't fully understand how these cells move and develop. Our research aimed to learn more about this process by studying lung cancer tissue with special stains and genetic tests. From our findings, we suggested that STAS cells might come from deep within the tumor and move out to its edges. These cells might keep traits from the tumor's edge, showing the variety within the tumor itself. Our study aims to improve understanding of how this spreading happens and its impact on lung cancer progression.

Free Research Field

分子病理学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

これまで、非小細胞肺がんの標準治療は「肺葉切除術」と呼ばれる大規模な手術でしたが、最近は早期の肺腺がんに対して「区域切除術」という、より小規模な手術が広がっています。この手術は肺の機能をより多く残し、患者の生活の質（QOL）を向上させると期待されています。しかし、区域切除は再発率が高いとの報告もあります。私たちの研究は、区域切除の際の再発の重要な要因の一つとなる「STAS」という腫瘍細胞の特徴を解明し、再発を防いだり再発後の適切な治療法の確立のための基盤となるものです。