This study provides a detailed spatiomolecular map of metastatic breast cancer by analyzing 67 tumor biopsies from 60 patients. Researchers utilized a combination of single-cell and single-nucleus RNA sequencing alongside four advanced spatial expression assays to examine the tumor microenvironment across various anatomical sites. The findings highlight how malignant cell profiles remain largely specific to individual patients even as the disease progresses or changes receptor status. Conversely, immune cell composition was found to be more influenced by clinical factors, such as recent immunotherapy treatments. By integrating diverse technologies, the authors established a framework for understanding complex cellular interactions and spatial phenotypes within metastatic lesions. This comprehensive atlas serves as a valuable resource for identifying expression programs associated with cancer progression and local immune infiltration.

References:

• Klughammer J, Abravanel D L, Segerstolpe Å, et al. A multi-modal single-cell and spatial expression map of metastatic breast cancer biopsies across clinicopathological features[J]. Nature Medicine, 2024, 30(11): 3236-3249.