A Promising Way to Fight Metastases Discovered
A breakthrough has occurred in the world of oncology that could change the approach to cancer treatment and save millions of lives. Researchers from Johns Hopkins University in the USA have announced the discovery of a substance called adhibin, capable of preventing the most dangerous manifestation of cancer — metastasis. The results of their work, published in February 2025, have already sparked a wave of optimism among doctors and patients worldwide. Metastases, when cancer cells spread from the primary tumour to other organs, remain the leading cause of death from oncological diseases. This discovery promises to be a true breakthrough.
⚡ Contact the oncologists at Ichilov if:
- ➤ you have been diagnosed with metastases and are looking for a more effective treatment plan;
- ➤ local doctors are offering only palliative care;
- ➤ you want to participate in clinical trials of new drugs;
- ➤ you need a review of the diagnosis or molecular profile of the tumour;
- ➤ you need a combination of immunotherapy and targeted treatment under one roof.
Have metastases? Get a second opinion from a leading oncologist at Ichilov — online, with an analysis of your tests and scans.
Cancer is one of the most insidious diseases of our time. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 10 million people die from it each year, and more than 70% of these deaths are related to metastases. For example, breast or lung cancer can be successfully treated at an early stage, but if cells begin to migrate to the bones, liver, or brain, the chances of survival drop sharply. Until now, medicine has fought against metastases with varying success: chemotherapy and targeted drugs can slow the process but do not stop it completely. The new approach proposed by scientists offers a solution to this problem at the molecular level.
More about the research
The substance adhibin was isolated during years of research that began with studying how cancer cells "travel" through the body. "We noticed that for metastasis, cancer cells need to attach to new tissues, like throwing an anchor," explains Dr. Emily Carter, the project leader. "Adhibin blocks this process, depriving the cells of the ability to 'stick'." In experiments on laboratory mice with models of breast cancer and melanoma, the substance showed impressive results: three weeks after the administration of adhibin, the number of metastases decreased by 80%, and in some cases, they did not appear at all.
The mechanism of action of adhibin is simple and elegant. Cancer cells use special proteins on their surface to 'stick' to the walls of blood vessels or other tissues. Adhibin disrupts the function of these proteins, making the cells 'slippery' and unable to anchor. As a result, they either die in the bloodstream or remain isolated, not forming new foci. "It's like covering cancer cells in oil — they just can't hold on," jokes Dr. Carter, emphasizing that this approach does not harm healthy cells.
While Adhibin is undergoing trials, the Ichilov clinic is already using:
- ✅ targeted therapy that specifically blocks the growth of tumour cells;
- ✅ immunotherapy — checkpoint inhibitor drugs (PD-1/PD-L1, CTLA-4);
- ✅ stereotactic radiosurgery for metastases (including brain metastases);
- ✅ liquid biopsy for early detection of new foci;
- ✅ molecular profiling of the tumour to tailor a personal treatment plan.
Oncologists at Ichilov conduct a consultation for each case — and provide a second opinion within 2-3 days.
Prospects of the discovery
For patients, this discovery could be a true hope. "Metastases are what make cancer deadly," says oncologist Michael Richards, who was not involved in the study. "If we can stop them, we have a chance to turn cancer into a chronic, manageable condition, rather than a death sentence." This is especially important for people with aggressive forms of cancer, such as pancreatic cancer or melanoma, where metastases appear quickly and often.
So far, adhibin has only undergone preliminary tests, but scientists are optimistic. They have already received permission for clinical trials on humans, which will begin at the end of 2025. The first phase will include a small group of patients with advanced stages of cancer to test the safety of the substance and its effectiveness. "We want to ensure that adhibin works as well in humans as it does in animals," says Carter. "If all goes according to plan, in a few years it could become part of standard treatment."
However, researchers face challenges as well. For example, it is still unclear how long adhibin can remain active in the body and whether it will cause side effects with prolonged use. Additionally, the substance is effective against cell migration but does not destroy existing metastases — additional methods, such as immunotherapy or radiation therapy, may be required for that. Scientists are also exploring whether adhibin can be combined with other drugs to enhance its effect.
️ ⚡ ️How to get treatment for metastases at Ichilov: 5 steps
- ➤ Contact the coordinator — by phone or WhatsApp, we will respond within an hour;
- ➤ Send documents: biopsy results, CT/MRI scans, medical history excerpts;
- ➤ Receive an oncologist's conclusion — analysis of your case and a preliminary treatment plan within 3–5 days;
- ➤ Come for an in-person consultation or undergo an extended online consultation;
- ➤ Start treatment — if necessary, we assist with visas, accommodation, and transfers.
The first step is free and does not obligate you to anything. A Russian-speaking coordinator is available 24/7.
The discovery has already attracted the attention of pharmaceutical companies that see potential in adhibin for creating a new class of drugs. "This is not just another molecule, but a completely new approach to cancer treatment," notes healthcare market analyst Jane Walsh. "If the trials are successful, this could become a multibillion-dollar market." But for scientists, the more important goal is to give patients a chance at life.