Biomechanics in cancer research
A study in Nature Physics on the early stages of bladder cancer shows the importance of mechanical changes in tumour tissue during growth. The study was led by the Computational Biology group of Dagmar Iber in collaboration with Lukas Bubendorf’s pathology lab at the University Hospital Basel and the D-BSSE group of Biophysics.
In this video, the team presents the findings of their research on the onset of epithelial bladder cancer. The researchers’ motivation was to understand what governs the direction in which bladder tumour grows. This growth direction can play a key role in whether it proves malignant or benign. In turn, this also determines the course of treatment and the patient’s chances of survival.
“Cancer research needs to focus more closely on biomechanics and the chemical signalling pathways that affect it. But this line of investigation is still very much in its infancy.”Dagmar Iber, Head of Computational Biology group at D-BSSE
Combining 3D-microscopy with computational modelling, the researchers found that the tumour type, its structure and the biomechanical properties of the bladder tissue influence the growth direction of bladder tumours, a critical factor in determining the aggressiveness of bladder cancer. The team calls for a stronger focus on tissue mechanics in future cancer research, suggesting that this approach could lead to more targeted and effective therapies for patients.
Find the original publication in Nature Physics:
Lampart, F L, Vetter, R, Yamauchi, K A, Wang, Y, Runser, S, Strohmeyer, N, Meer, F, Hussherr, M-D, Camenisch, G, Seifert, H-H, Rentsch, C A, Le Magnen, C, Müller, D J, Bubendorf, L, and D Iber (2025) external page Morphometry and mechanical instability at the onset of epithelial bladder cancer. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41567-024-02735-2
Find ETH News article dedicated to this study.
Learn about research in the Computational Biology group led by Dagmar Iber and the Biophysics group led by Daniel Müller.
Browse all external page D-BSSE Research Pitch videos.