Molecular targets in metastasis: lessons from genomic approaches

Microarray studies have yielded valuable information that can be used to determine a cancer patient's prognosis and allow for optimum treatment choices. Tumor profiling has also changed our perception of metastatic propensity. Genomic analyses clearly showed that a metastasis signature is encoded within the genome so that when a cancer develops, the likelihood of metastasis is high, whereas other cancers which do not have this genotype metastasize as a result of random mutations. It is certain however, that cells other than tumor cells contribute to the development of metastasis through their production of various pro-metastatic proteins. Here, we review the published metastasis profiling studies and the role of the host in metastasis. Collagen type I, CXCR4, CSF-1, OPN and RhoC are metastasis-associated genes for which evidence exists for a causal contribution to elements of the metastatic process. These genes are discussed in detail and represent excellent drug targets for anti-metastasis therapies.