Spanish researchers uncover the key to the origin of Ewing’s sarcoma
A study that could change approaches to treating one of the most dangerous childhood cancers has been completed at Barcelona’s scientific centers. A team from two of the city’s leading institutes has, for the first time, identified the specific cell where Ewing’s sarcoma begins. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for developing more precise and safer therapies.
How tumors form: new insights into disease mechanisms
Ewing’s sarcoma is a rare but highly aggressive cancer that affects the bones and soft tissues of children and adolescents. Until now, scientists could not pinpoint the exact cell where this disease starts. It has now been revealed that the process begins at an extremely early stage of embryonic development, when certain genes combine to create a new entity capable of triggering tumor growth. This occurs in embryonic mesenchymal stem cells, which later give rise to muscles, blood vessels, and connective tissue.
Cell and animal experiments: proof of concept
During the study, scientists succeeded in isolating and purifying human embryonic mesenchymal cells, then introduced into them the gene responsible for Ewing sarcoma. In laboratory conditions, these cells did not display any signs of tumor development, but after being injected into mice, the animals developed growths that fully replicated the structure and behavior of human Ewing sarcoma. This confirmed that these cells are indeed the source of the disease.
Opportunities for New Therapies and Challenges in Treatment
Current treatments for Ewing sarcoma include chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy. While survival rates reach 60–70%, these treatments often cause serious side effects in young patients. Now that scientists have pinpointed the origin of the tumor, there is a chance to develop more targeted and gentler treatment approaches. Doctors emphasize that defeating the disease is important, but so is preserving a child’s quality of life by minimizing treatment side effects.
Looking Ahead: What Does the Future Hold for Patients?
In the coming years, researchers plan to identify the specific factors that cause a healthy cell to become malignant. This will help develop drugs that target only affected cells, sparing healthy tissue. In addition, modern surgical techniques now make it possible to save limbs even in complex tumor locations, while new types of radiation therapy reduce the risk of complications. The discovery made in Barcelona could be the starting point for a revolution in the treatment of Ewing’s sarcoma in children.
