Cancer metastasis

Definition

Cancer metastasis is the process by which cancer cells spread from the primary tumor to distant parts of the body, forming secondary tumors. This complex process involves various mechanisms, including cell invasion into surrounding tissues, entry into the bloodstream or lymphatic system, and colonization of new sites. Understanding metastasis is crucial as it significantly influences cancer progression, treatment options, and patient prognosis.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Metastatic cancer is responsible for approximately 90% of cancer-related deaths, emphasizing its critical role in cancer lethality.
2. The metastatic process can be broken down into several key steps: local invasion, intravasation (entering the blood or lymphatic system), circulation, extravasation (leaving the bloodstream), and colonization at a distant site.
3. Certain types of cancers are more likely to metastasize than others; for example, breast cancer commonly spreads to bones, lungs, liver, and brain.
4. Cellular mechanics play a significant role in metastasis; cancer cells can alter their shape and movement patterns to invade tissues and migrate through the body.
5. Mechanosensing allows cancer cells to respond to physical cues in their environment, such as stiffness of the extracellular matrix, which can influence their metastatic potential.

Review Questions

• How do cellular mechanics influence the process of cancer metastasis?
  • Cellular mechanics refer to how cancer cells change their shape and movement in response to physical forces in their environment. This ability is crucial for metastasis because it allows cancer cells to invade nearby tissues and migrate through barriers like blood vessel walls. For instance, cancer cells may become more deformable or exhibit different adhesion properties that enable them to squeeze through tight spaces or adhere more effectively at distant sites.
• Discuss the role of angiogenesis in supporting cancer metastasis.
  • Angiogenesis plays a vital role in cancer metastasis by providing tumors with the necessary nutrients and oxygen for growth. When a primary tumor grows beyond a certain size, it requires a blood supply to sustain itself. The formation of new blood vessels not only supports the primary tumor but also facilitates the entry of cancer cells into the bloodstream. This means that tumors can more easily spread throughout the body when they have an efficient blood supply, leading to increased chances of metastasis.
• Evaluate the impact of mechanosensing on the metastatic behavior of cancer cells and its potential implications for treatment strategies.
  • Mechanosensing significantly impacts how cancer cells behave during metastasis by allowing them to detect and respond to mechanical cues in their environment. For example, if a tumor is located in a stiff region of tissue, cancer cells may become more aggressive in their invasive behavior. This understanding opens up new avenues for treatment strategies, such as targeting mechanosensing pathways or modifying the tumor microenvironment to make it less conducive to metastasis. By disrupting these processes, it may be possible to reduce the likelihood of cancer spread and improve patient outcomes.

Related terms

Tumor microenvironment: The surrounding cells, signaling molecules, and extracellular matrix that interact with tumor cells and influence their behavior, including invasion and metastasis.

Angiogenesis: The formation of new blood vessels from existing ones, which is essential for supplying nutrients to tumors and facilitating their growth and spread.

Extravasation: The process by which cancer cells exit the bloodstream and invade surrounding tissues to establish secondary tumors.