Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 26, 2026
A Robust Discovery Platform for the Identification of Novel Mediators of Melanoma Metastasis
Published on: March 8, 2022
Endogenous anticancer mechanisms: metastasis
1Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA. scott_valastyan@hms.harvard.edu
Abstract:
Metastases, rather than the primary tumors from which these malignant growths are spawned, are culpable for greater than 90 % of human cancer-associated mortality. Metastases arise through the completion of a series of cell-biological events - collectively termed "the invasion-metastasis cascade" - which involve the dissemination of tumor cells to distant organ sites and their subsequent adaptation to these foreign microenvironments. Importantly, a number of endogenous mechanisms exist that serve to prevent metastatic progression. These safeguards must be overcome by incipient metastatic tumor cells in order for them to generate detectable metastases. Here, I highlight four endogenous mechanisms that protect against the development of metastatic disease in breast carcinomas. I discuss how the expression of these genes are dampened during malignant progression, the downstream responses they orchestrate, and clinical opportunities to therapeutically target these mechanisms. Indeed, one potentially effective strategy for the remediation of metastatic disease involves the reactivation of endogenous anti-metastasis mechanisms. Therefore, knowledge regarding endogenous anti-metastasis mechanisms may both further our comprehension of the basic etiology of metastasis and also guide the treatment of human tumors.
Insights
Metastases cause most cancer deaths. This study highlights four natural protective mechanisms against breast cancer metastasis and discusses targeting them for treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
- Cancer Metastasis Research
Background:
- Metastasis, the spread of cancer cells, is responsible for over 90% of cancer mortality.
- The invasion-metastasis cascade describes the multi-step process of cancer cell dissemination and adaptation.
- Endogenous mechanisms normally prevent metastatic progression, but these must be overcome for metastasis to occur.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and discuss four endogenous anti-metastasis mechanisms in breast carcinomas.
- To explore how these protective gene expressions are reduced during cancer progression.
- To examine clinical opportunities for targeting these endogenous anti-metastasis pathways.
Main Methods:
- Review and analysis of endogenous anti-metastasis mechanisms in breast cancer.
- Discussion of gene expression changes during malignant progression.
- Exploration of therapeutic strategies targeting these mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Four key endogenous mechanisms that protect against metastatic disease in breast carcinomas were identified.
- Expression of protective genes is often downregulated during malignant progression.
- Therapeutic reactivation of these endogenous mechanisms presents a potential treatment strategy.
Conclusions:
- Understanding endogenous anti-metastasis mechanisms is crucial for comprehending metastasis etiology.
- Targeting and reactivating these natural safeguards may offer effective treatment for metastatic breast cancer.
- This knowledge can guide the development of novel therapeutic interventions for human tumors.
Related Concept Videos
02:30Metastasis
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...
02:30Metastasis
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...
02:53Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...
02:53Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...
01:35Cancer Cell Migration through Invadopodia
02:40Cancer Stem Cells and Tumor Maintenance
Cancer stem cells are thought to originate from tissue-specific normal stem cells or progenitor cells. The normal stem cells usually reside in...