Metastasis stem cells are targeted through a
fatty acid receptor. Blockers or inhibitors of CD36 activity or expression are for the treatment of oral squamous
cell cancer (OSCC), particularly for the treatment of generated metastases and for diminishing generation from primary tumors. Apart from shRNAs, anti-CD36 antibodies are provided as blockers or inhibitors, especially those that block the binding of CD36 to
oxidized LDL and fatty acids and their incorporation into cells, because the promotion of their transport is indicated as the mechanism by which CD36 promote metastases
dissemination and growth. A method identifies candidates to anticancer agents, particularly for OSCC
metastasis, among those that promote in CD36+ cells,
in vivo or
in vitro, effects associated to CD36 depletion or blocking such as decrease of growth accumulation of lipid droplets and decrease of size in the case of metastases.