Cancer Cell

**Cancer Cell** (がん細胞, *Gansaibō*?) is a recurring antagonist in *Cells at Work!*

## Appearance

Cancer Cell's hair is dark when in disguise and light in his true form, and his right eye has a black sclera. There are growths on his skin (most notably his cheeks) that resemble bulging veins. His body is constantly changing shape, size, and number of limbs. He wears a normal cell outfit.

## Personality

Cancer Cell is intelligent and manipulative, easily gaining the trust of the other cells while in disguise and almost succeeding in his plan to take over the body. He is ruthless in his pursuit for his goal, willing to kill off the entire host body just to reproduce and spread, stating that death is his destiny.

After being "saved" by U-1146, Cancer Cell takes a liking to the Neutrophil, seeing similarities in him to the point that he considers him a friend regardless of the circumstances.

Despite the serious threat potential he possesses, he's still somewhat of a tragic figure, as he never asked to become what he was and was shaped by forces and events beyond his control.

## History

Cancer Cell was born when a Normal Cell made an error in replicating his DNA, causing him to be born malformed. Immune cells were called to eradicate the cancer cells present in the block. Cancer Cell ran alongside a fellow friend. The two had tried to hide, but his friend slipped and was caught by the immune cells and killed.

Cancer Cell eventually eluded the immune cells and grew unchecked, eventually plotting to destroy the body as revenge to the immune cells for their heavy-handed punishment towards his kind who did nothing wrong. He took over an apartment block and began creating more cancer cells before disguising himself as a normal cell that was being attacked by a cancer cell. After the immune cells killed the cancer cell, he offered to bring U-1146, Killer T and Natural Killer Cell to the block where the cancer cells were found. The four immediately split once they arrived, with him following Natural Killer. Natural Killer was aware that he was a cancer cell, upon which he dropped his disguise and fought her.

By this time, U-1146 and Killer T Cell discovered the cancer cells and that the normal cell was actually a powerful Cancer Cell. He easily overwhelmed the trio with his powers, but before he could achieve metastasis, he was interrupted by the arrival of the other cells, who had been notified of the suspicious activity by AE3803. The immune cells began destroying the cancer cells while Natural Killer fatally slashed him across the chest after being revitalized through laughter when Killer T ran in front of B Cell's antibodies. As the immune cells celebrated, U-1146 came up to Cancer Cell and offered to hear his final words, explaining why they had to cut the cancer cells down in the first place. Cancer Cell then died and was carried away to be disposed of, although he warned U-1146 that he would eventually return.

Cancer Cell eventually returned to the body after his data was leaked, immediately settling in the intestines and using the unhealthy nature provided by the harmful bacteria present to empower himself. The immune cells were initially unable to harm him because Regulatory T Cell had mistakenly identified him as a contributing cell, but stopped doing so after Killer T pulled off the Perforin Cannon Punch on him. Despite being empowered by the toxic masses, he soon lost this power after the levels of harmful bacteria in the intestine had dropped with the arrival of the Lactic Acid Bacteria. U-1146 broke out from his tube and slit Cancer Cell's throat. As he laid on the floor, Cancer Cell admitted that he would rather die by U-1146's hands rather than the other immune cells before he died again.

It is not known if he will return again.

## Abilities

The full abilities of Cancer Cell are unknown; his power seems to grow stronger on bacteria toxins.

* **Combat Proficiency:** Cancer Cell is a formidable opponent to immune cells. He fights hand-to-hand without a weapon.
* **Shapeshifting Mutation:** He can dramatically change size and shape at will to help him fight and overpower immune cells.
* **Metastasis:** When he wants to spread cancer throughout the body, he grows feathered wings for fast travel.
* **Recurrence:** Cancer Cell was able to "resurrect" with his memories intact after his genes were leaked.
* **Regeneration**: He is able to regenerate and heal any injured parts of his body if the received attacks are not fatal.

## References

1. ↑ Cells at Work! Manga, Chapter 9 and Chapter 25