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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 19, 2026

Isolation of Human Lymphatic Endothelial Cells by Multi-parameter Fluorescence-activated Cell Sorting

Isolation of Human Lymphatic Endothelial Cells by Multi-parameter Fluorescence-activated Cell Sorting

Published on: May 1, 2015

Lymphangiogenesis and cancer.

Ailsa Christiansen¹, Michael Detmar

¹Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.

|August 7, 2012

Summary

Lymphatic vessels, once thought passive in cancer spread, actively promote tumor metastasis. New research reveals their complex role, regulated by factors and immune cells, in cancer dissemination.

Area of Science:

Oncology
Vascular Biology
Cancer Metastasis Research

Background:

Lymphatic vessels were historically viewed as passive conduits for tumor cell spread.
Recent discoveries of lymphatic-specific markers and advanced experimental models reveal a more active role.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the lymphatic system and lymphangiogenesis.
To focus on the lymphatic system's dynamic role in cancer metastasis.
To describe the evolution of understanding from passive to active participation in tumor dissemination.

Main Methods:

Literature review of lymphatic biology and cancer metastasis.
Discussion of key molecular markers and experimental systems.
Analysis of regulatory factors, chemokines, and immune cell involvement.

Keywords:

VEGF-C lymphatic vessels metastasis tumor immunity

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Draining Lymph Node Metastasis Model for Assessing the Dynamics of Antigen-Specific CD8+ T Cells During Tumorigenesis

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Isolation of Human Lymphatic Endothelial Cells by Multi-parameter Fluorescence-activated Cell Sorting

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Monitoring Functionality and Morphology of Vasculature Recruited by Factors Secreted by Fast-growing Tumor-generating Cells

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Draining Lymph Node Metastasis Model for Assessing the Dynamics of Antigen-Specific CD8+ T Cells During Tumorigenesis

Draining Lymph Node Metastasis Model for Assessing the Dynamics of Antigen-Specific CD8⁺ T Cells During Tumorigenesis

Published on: January 26, 2024

Main Results:

The lymphatic vasculature is an active participant in metastatic tumor spread.
Lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic function are regulated by specific factors.
Immune cell subsets play a role in lymphatic involvement in metastasis.

Conclusions:

The lymphatic system's role in metastasis is far more complex and active than previously understood.
Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing anti-metastatic therapies.