Genes that help cancer cells grow (IMAGE) Johns Hopkins Medicine Caption Sixteen genes help cancer cells leave the low-oxygen region of tumors and survive in the bloodstream. One – MUC1 (purple) – is in clinical trials to reduce cancer recurrence. Credit Daniele Gilkes, Ph.D. Usage Restrictions none License Original content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.