Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 4, 2026
07:45
Draining Lymph Node Metastasis Model for Assessing the Dynamics of Antigen-Specific CD8+ T Cells During Tumorigenesis
Published on: January 26, 2024
Lymphatic vessel activation in cancer.
1Department of Oncological Sciences, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1130, New York, NY 10029, USA.
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|June 4, 2008
Summary
Cancer metastasis relies on the lymphatic system. Recent research shows lymphatic vessels actively facilitate tumor spread, influencing patient prognosis and treatment decisions.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Lymphatic Biology
- Cancer Metastasis Research
Background:
- Lymphatic system and regional lymph node status are critical for cancer metastasis and patient prognosis.
- Traditionally, lymphatic vessels were viewed as passive conduits, but emerging evidence highlights their active role in tumor progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in understanding the mechanisms of lymphatic vessel involvement in cancer metastasis.
- To emphasize the active role of lymphatic vessels in tumor progression and metastasis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent scientific evidence on lymphangiogenesis and metastasis.
- Analysis of studies investigating the interaction between tumor cells and lymphatic vessels.
Main Results:
- Tumor lymphangiogenesis and increased lymphatic vessel density are linked to a higher propensity for metastasis.
- Lymphangiogenesis in sentinel lymph nodes contributes to malignant progression.
- Lymphatic vessels actively recruit tumor cells, beyond their role as transport systems.
Conclusions:
- The lymphatic system is not merely a passive transport route but actively participates in cancer metastasis.
- Understanding these active mechanisms can lead to improved prognostic indicators and therapeutic strategies for cancer patients.
Related Concept Videos
01:16Lymphatic Vessels and Lymph Transport
Lymphatic vessels, known as lymphatics, are crucial in transporting lymph from peripheral tissues to our venous system. This process begins with lymph entering through tiny capillaries that branch through tissues. These capillaries have unique features such as larger diameters, thinner walls, and a distinctive one-way valve system formed by overlapping endothelial cells.
This one-way system allows fluids, solutes, and even pathogens to enter but prevents their return to the intercellular spaces.
This one-way system allows fluids, solutes, and even pathogens to enter but prevents their return to the intercellular spaces.
01:28Functions of the Lymphatic and Immune System
The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in bolstering our immune system. It consists of a network of lymphoid organs, lymph, and lymphatic vessels that provide structural and functional support in safeguarding the body against pathogens such as viruses and bacteria.
The primary lymphoid organs, including the bone marrow and the thymus, serve as the maturation sites for lymphocytes. Secondary lymphoid organs, like the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue, activate these lymphocytes and serve as...
The primary lymphoid organs, including the bone marrow and the thymus, serve as the maturation sites for lymphocytes. Secondary lymphoid organs, like the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue, activate these lymphocytes and serve as...
01:35Cancer Cell Migration through Invadopodia
Invadosome is a broad category of cell surface structures with proteolytic activity that degrades the extracellular matrix (ECM). Invadosomes are present in normal cell types, including macrophages, endothelial cells, and neurons, as well as tumor cells. Although the macrophage podosomes and tumor cell invadopodia are classified as invadosomes, they have different structures, molecular pathways, and functions. Podosomes are short structures that last for a few minutes. However, invadopodia can...
02:30Metastasis
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...
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...
02:17The Tumor Microenvironment
Every normal cell or tissue is embedded in a complex local environment called stroma, consisting of different cell types, a basal membrane, and blood vessels. As normal cells mutate and develop into cancer cells, their local environment also changes to allow cancer progression. The tumor microenvironment (TME) consists of a complex cellular matrix of stromal cells and the developing tumor. The cross-talk between cancer cells and surrounding stromal cells is critical to disrupt normal tissue...
01:15Development of the Lymphatic System
The development of lymphatic tissues and vessels in embryonic life begins around the fifth week. These structures originate from the mesoderm layer, with lymph sacs emerging from developing veins.
The first lymph sacs to form are the paired jugular lymph sacs located at the junction of the internal jugular and subclavian veins. From these sacs, lymphatic capillary plexuses extend to the thorax, upper limbs, neck, and head, eventually forming lymphatic vessels. Each jugular lymph sac maintains a...
The first lymph sacs to form are the paired jugular lymph sacs located at the junction of the internal jugular and subclavian veins. From these sacs, lymphatic capillary plexuses extend to the thorax, upper limbs, neck, and head, eventually forming lymphatic vessels. Each jugular lymph sac maintains a...