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Metastasis

Metastasis

Metastasis is the spread of cancer cells from the original site to distant locations in the body. Cancer cells can spread via blood vessels (hematogenous) as well as lymph vessels in the body.
Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition
The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition or EMT is a developmental process commonly observed in wound healing, embryogenesis, and cancer metastasis. EMT is induced by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) or receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) ligands, which further...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 27, 2026

In vivo Dual Substrate Bioluminescent Imaging

In vivo Dual Substrate Bioluminescent Imaging

Published on: October 11, 2011

Illuminating the metastatic process.

¹Cancer Research UK London Research Institute, 44 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, WC2A 3PX, UK. erik.sahai@cancer.org.uk

Nature Reviews. Cancer

|September 25, 2007

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

New imaging techniques allow direct observation of cancer cell spread in vivo. This breakthrough enhances understanding of metastasis and aids in preclinical drug evaluation for cancer treatment.

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Last Updated: Apr 27, 2026

In vivo Dual Substrate Bioluminescent Imaging

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Published on: October 11, 2011

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A Robust Discovery Platform for the Identification of Novel Mediators of Melanoma Metastasis

A Robust Discovery Platform for the Identification of Novel Mediators of Melanoma Metastasis

Published on: March 8, 2022

Area of Science:

Oncology
Cell Biology
Medical Imaging

Background:

Traditional metastasis studies focused on macroscopic outcomes, limiting insights into the dynamic cellular process.
Observing cancer cell behavior in vivo at high resolution has been challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

To review recent advances in understanding metastasis using cellular resolution imaging.
To highlight the application of these imaging techniques in preclinical drug evaluation.

Main Methods:

Utilizing luminescent and fluorescent proteins for in vivo tracking of cancer cells.
Employing advanced optical imaging technologies for high spatial and temporal resolution.

Main Results:

Direct observation of cancer cell dissemination from primary tumors to secondary sites is now possible.
Cellular resolution imaging provides unprecedented detail on the steps of metastasis.

Conclusions:

Cellular resolution imaging significantly advances our understanding of the metastatic cascade.
These imaging modalities are valuable tools for assessing the efficacy of anti-metastatic drugs in preclinical models.