With the discovery of an enzyme that enables breast cancer tumor cells to spread, thousands of lives could be saved.

When breast cancer happens, in 90 per cent of the cases, the disease goes to body’s other parts like bone, lung and liver. The enzyme’s action is tried to be blocked and for this new tests and new treatments will be needed, according to the Institute of Cancer Research.

This breakthrough, according to Holly Barker, a postdoctoral researcher, “Raises the possibility that we could develop a test to predict patients who will develop aggressive disease. It could help us tailor treatment type and intensity to individual patients.”

High levels of LOXL2, an enzyme, was seen among cancer patients that led to low survival rates and spread of cancer. Every year bout 47000 cancer cases are diagnosed and 12,000 women die of breast cancer every year. It has also been seen that out of eight women, one will be suffering from this disease.

Cancer charities are hopeful that these findings will lead to better treatments and more survival rate among women.