Research that shows "great promise" has uncovered how to prevent breast cancer metastasis, according to The Daily Mail.

The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) has discovered that the behaviour of a particular enzyme assists in the spread of cancerous cells from the breast tissue to the lungs, liver and bones.

According to the ICR, the enzyme (called LOXL2) "promotes this process by controlling the amounts of molecules called TIMP1 and MMP9, which have previously been shown to play important roles in allowing cancer to spread."

However, nurses and those with nurse manager jobs might be interested to hear that trials showed by blocking the enzyme, the spread of breast cancer was significantly reduced. This means a drug could be developed to block LOXL2 and treat advanced cases. 

The ICR's lead researcher, Dr Janet Erlerm said: "Around 12,000 women die from breast cancer in the UK each year, most because their cancer has spread to other parts of their body."

"Our study shows that inhibiting the action of LOXL2 can significantly reduce the spread of breast cancer, suggesting that drugs which block this enzyme may be effective in preventing patients' cancer from spreading."

Cancer metastasis, the spread of the disease, accounts for 90 per cent of cancer deaths. The enzyme is also associated with the spread of colon and oesophagus cancers.

Arlene Wilkie, director of research and policy at the Breast Cancer Campaign charity, told BBC News: "The laboratory research shows great promise and we look forward top seeing how it translates [to] patients."