Metastasis is Not Random: Scientists Discover Genetic Code for Cancer Spread

Cancer Spreads According to Rules, Not Randomly

An international team of scientists from the University of Geneva (UNIGE) has made a groundbreaking discovery: metastasis—the spread of cancer to distant organs—is not a random process. On the contrary, it is governed by a biological "program" encoded directly in the genes of tumor cells. The study, published in March 2026 in the prestigious journal Cell Reports, could fundamentally change the way doctors approach the treatment of cancer patients.

Gene Patterns Reveal Tumor Aggressiveness

The team, led by Professor Ariel Ruiz i Altaba from the Department of Genetic Medicine and Development at UNIGE, isolated and analyzed approximately thirty clones of tumor cells from two primary colon tumors. The scientists examined the gene activity of the cells in laboratory conditions and in mouse models, looking for a connection between gene expression and the ability of the cells to migrate.

The results showed clear patterns: metastatic potential is not determined by the profile of a single cell, but by interactions between groups of related cancer cells. Analysis of hundreds of genes revealed expression gradients directly linked to the migratory ability of tumor cells.

"We should understand cancer more as a deformed form of development," explains Professor Ruiz i Altaba.

AI Tool Predicts Metastasis with 80% Accuracy

Based on the discovered gene patterns, the researchers developed an artificial intelligence tool called MangroveGS (Mangrove Gene Signatures). Unlike previous methods, which relied on a few biomarkers, MangroveGS uses dozens to hundreds of gene signatures simultaneously, making it resistant to individual variations between patients.

The model achieved nearly 80% accuracy in predicting metastasis and recurrence of colon cancer—a significantly better result than existing methods. Remarkably, the gene signatures derived from colon cancer also proved effective in predicting the metastatic risk of stomach, lung, and breast cancer.

Less Unnecessary Treatment, More Targeted Care

The clinical application of the tool is straightforward: RNA is sequenced from a tumor sample, and MangroveGS quickly generates a metastasis risk score. The results are securely shared with oncologists and patients via an encrypted platform.

Professor Ruiz i Altaba emphasizes the practical impact: "This information will prevent overtreatment of low-risk patients, reducing side effects and unnecessary costs, while intensifying monitoring of high-risk patients."

What Does This Mean for Slovakia?

Cancer is among the most common causes of death in Slovakia. According to the OECD Cancer Profile for 2025, the country faces challenges in early diagnosis and personalized treatment. Tools like MangroveGS could help Slovak oncologists in the future to more accurately stratify patients—that is, decide who needs aggressive treatment and who, on the contrary, can be spared unnecessary chemotherapy.

The National Cancer Institute currently supports foreign internships for Slovak experts, which could accelerate the transfer of similar innovations into clinical practice. If MangroveGS is confirmed in further clinical studies, it could become a standard tool in the arsenal of oncologists worldwide—including Slovakia.