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Updated: Jun 14, 2026
07:35
A Portal Vein Injection Model to Study Liver Metastasis of Breast Cancer
Published on: December 26, 2016
[Liver metastases: pathogenesis and oncogenesis].
U F Wellner1, T Keck, T Brabletz
1Abteilung Allgemein- und Viszeralchirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg i. Br., Hugstetter Strasse 55, Freiburg, Germany.
Summary
Liver metastases from colorectal, pancreatic, and breast cancers involve epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). This process dynamically induces cancer stem cell (CSC) properties, potentially creating migrating cancer stem cells (MCSC) that drive distant metastasis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Biology
- Molecular Pathology
Background:
- Liver metastases are frequently linked to colorectal, pancreatic, and breast cancers.
- Metastasis represents the final stage of malignant tumor progression.
- Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is implicated in local invasion and distant metastasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of EMT in the formation of liver metastases.
- To explore the relationship between EMT and cancer stem cells (CSCs) in metastasis.
- To elucidate the potential mechanism of migrating cancer stem cells (MCSCs) in driving distant metastasis.
Main Methods:
- Molecular investigations into the mechanisms of metastasis.
- Analysis of cancer stem cell (CSC) properties in solid tumors.
- Examination of the dynamic interplay between EMT and CSC induction.
Main Results:
- EMT plays a crucial role in local invasion and the formation of distant metastases.
- A subpopulation of cancer stem cells (CSCs) exists within solid tumors.
- EMT can dynamically induce CSC properties, leading to the formation of migrating cancer stem cells (MCSCs).
Conclusions:
- Migrating cancer stem cells (MCSCs), induced by EMT, are theoretically the basis for distant metastasis development.
- Understanding the EMT-CSC axis is critical for targeting liver metastasis.
- This research highlights a potential pathway for novel therapeutic strategies against metastatic cancer.
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