[Metastatic spread: mechanisms and therapies]

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Cancer Metastasis Research
• Drug Discovery

Context:

• Metastatic spread is the leading cause of cancer mortality.
• Current understanding of metastatic cascade mechanisms and experimental models are limited.
• Few drugs specifically target metastasis, with limited validated targets.

Purpose:

• To highlight the need for improved anti-metastatic drug discovery strategies.
• To emphasize the importance of defining precise objectives in anti-metastatic drug development.
• To differentiate between targeting early-stage cell spreading and established metastases or micrometastasis.

Summary:

• Metastasis suppressor genes are promising targets for anti-metastatic drugs.
• Several molecules inhibiting metastasis without affecting primary tumor growth have been identified.
• A dozen molecules have been identified that inhibit metastases without altering primary tumor growth.

Impact:

• Focusing on established metastases or dormant micrometastasis is more clinically relevant.
• Clearer objectives will enhance the efficiency of anti-metastatic drug development efforts.
• This research aims to guide the scientific community towards more impactful anti-metastatic drug discovery.