Unveiling Fat Tissue's Role in Ovarian Cancer Metastasis

Recent research sheds light on the significant influence of fat tissue's physical properties in the spread of ovarian cancer. Traditionally, studies focused on chemical signals guiding cancer invasion; however, new findings reveal that the mechanical nature of fat tissue plays a crucial role.

A study published in Nature Communications by scientists from Karolinska Institutet and Queen Mary University of London demonstrates that ovarian cancer cells exploit the soft and structurally crowded environment of visceral fat to facilitate their migration. Unlike earlier models emphasizing biochemical cues, this research highlights how the size and deformability of fat cells create 'migration highways' that allow cancer cells to navigate tightly packed tissue without damaging their nuclei—an essential aspect of their survival.

The team identified two important factors contributing to this process: the deformation of adipocytes caused by cancer cell activity and the large size of fat cells. These features were also correlated with more aggressive tumors observed in patients. To understand these mechanisms better, researchers developed advanced bioengineered fat-mimicking models and used patient-derived samples, enabling the study of how tissue mechanics and fat cell morphology influence cancer spread.

This innovative approach opens up new pathways for targeting metastasis by not only focusing on cancer cells themselves but also manipulating their physical surroundings. The engineered fat models could be instrumental in studying other fat-associated cancers such as breast and gastric cancers.

Furthermore, the researchers are examining how other cell types like fibroblasts and immune cells interact within fat tissue during tumor invasion. They are also exploring the process of fibrosis in fat tissue, which is linked to resistance to therapy.

This collaboration underscores a paradigm shift in cancer research—moving towards understanding and targeting the mechanical environment of tumors. Insights from this study could lead to novel treatments that address the physical aspects of tumor metastasis, offering hope for improved management of ovarian cancer and other fat-involved cancers.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-fat-tissue-hidden-role-ovarian.html