Lung cancer and breast cancer are the two most common types of cancer worldwide. Despite abundant research, the detailed molecular mechanisms behind their progression have remained elusive. A recent study uncovered a key signaling pathway underlying lung and breast cancer development. Receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) is a ubiquitous transmembrane receptor that is upregulated in inflammatory conditions. One of its ligands, lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), is a biologically active phospholipid involved in atherosclerosis, inflammation, diabetes, and cancer. Although these proteins are known to contribute together to other types of cancer, their role in lung and breast cancer has remained unknown. Using in vitro and in vivo mouse studies to evaluate markers of tumor development and progression, researchers found that signaling through RAGE via LPA increased the proliferation, migration, and invasion of lung and breast cancer cells. The LPA-mediated transformation from epithelial cells into tumor cells – known as EMT – was regulated by RAGE, and blocking LPA-RAGE signaling prevented tumor progression and angiogenesis in mice. These results highlight the importance of this pathway in lung and breast cancer, and point to LPA-RAGE as an ideal target for cancer treatment strategies.