In a new study published in Cell, Yibin Kang and postdoctoral researcher Yujiao Han led a team that uncovered how metastatic breast cancer cells hijack specialized macrophages in the bone marrow known as erythroblast island (EBI) macrophages. These cells normally play a critical role in recycling iron for red blood cell production. When commandeered by tumor cells, they are diverted from this function — starving red blood cells of the iron they need while simultaneously fueling tumor growth in the bone. Congratulations to Yujiao and the entire team on this outstanding work!