Lymphatic vessel activation in cancer.
Metastasis of most cancers occurs primarily through the lymphatic system, and the extent of lymph node involvement is the most important prognostic indicator. While the importance of the lymphatic system as a pathway for metastasis has been well recognized, there is very little information available about the mechanisms by which tumor cells interact with the lymphatics. Recently, production of the lymphangiogenic factor VEGF-C has been detected in tumors, and the significance of VEGF-C-mediated lymphangiogenesis for tumor metastasis has been demonstrated. Increased lymphatic vessel density has been found associated with certain tumors. The mechanisms by which tumor cells gain access to and enter lymphatic vessels are critical issues that need to be addressed in the future. In contrast to the prevailing view that has assigned to the lymphatic system a passive role in the metastatic process, our results indicate the importance of lymphatic vessel activation in tumor dissemination.
Cassella
Melanie
M
Derald H. Ruttenberg Cancer Center, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York 10029, USA.
Skobe
Mihaela
M
D043925:Angiogenesis Inducing Agents / Q000032:analysis; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008208:Lymphatic System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry / Q000473:pathology; D011379:Prognosis; D042582:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C
D043925:Angiogenesis Inducing Agents; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors; D042582:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C