Advances in metastasis research and implications for cancer therapy

Author(s): Camilla Relish*

Metastasis, the process by which cancer cells spread from the primary tumor to distant organs, is responsible for over 90% of cancer-related deaths. Despite advances in early detection and localized therapies, managing metastatic disease remains a significant challenge in oncology. This review highlights recent progress in understanding the molecular mechanisms driving metastasis, including Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT), genetic and epigenetic alterations, and the role of Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs). The tumor microenvironment, encompassing the Extracellular Matrix (ECM), immune system interactions and angiogenesis, is also crucial in facilitating metastatic spread. Emerging therapeutic strategies are being developed to target these pathways, with approaches such as small molecule inhibitors, nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems, and immunotherapies showing promise in preclinical and clinical studies. Additionally, advancements in liquid biopsies and biomarker discovery are offering new tools for the early detection and monitoring of metastasis. Understanding these complex processes provides new avenues for intervention, with the ultimate goal of improving survival rates and quality of life for cancer patients facing metastatic disease. This review underscores the need for continued research to translate these findings into effective treatments.

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