General mechanisms of metastasis.
In the present article, the steps involved in the process of tumor metastasis are discussed. Several events are required for malignant cells to leave the primary tumor and proliferate at a distant site: vessel formation (angiogenesis), cell attachment, invasion (matrix degradation, cell motility), and cell proliferation. Molecular mechanisms underlying each of these steps are described. Based on blocking these processes, new anti-metastasis therapies are being developed.
Woodhouse
E C
EC
Laboratory of Pathology, Division of Clinical Sciences, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethseda, Maryland 20892, USA.
Chuaqui
R F
RF
Liotta
L A
LA
D001859:Bone Neoplasms / Q000556:secondary; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000502:physiology; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis / Q000473:pathology; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D019714:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases / Q000502:physiology
D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules; D006133:Growth Substances; D019714:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases