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Updated: May 12, 2026
Analysis of Cancer Cell Invasion and Anti-metastatic Drug Screening Using Hydrogel Micro-chamber Array (HMCA)-based Plates
Published on: October 25, 2018
Targeting tumor cell motility as a strategy against invasion and metastasis
Alan Wells1, Jelena Grahovac, Sarah Wheeler
1Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh VAHS, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA. wellsa@upmc.edu
Abstract:
Advances in diagnosis and treatment have rendered most solid tumors largely curable if they are diagnosed and treated before dissemination. However, once they spread beyond the initial primary location, these cancers are usually highly morbid, if not fatal. Thus, current efforts focus on both limiting initial dissemination and preventing secondary spread. There are two modes of tumor dissemination - invasion and metastasis - each leading to unique therapeutic challenges and likely to be driven by distinct mechanisms. However, these two forms of dissemination utilize some common strategies to accomplish movement from the primary tumor, establishment in an ectopic site, and survival therein. The adaptive behaviors of motile cancer cells provide an opening for therapeutic approaches if we understand the molecular, cellular, and tissue biology that underlie them. Herein, we review the signaling cascades and organ reactions that lead to dissemination, as these are non-genetic in nature, focusing on cell migration as the key to tumor progression. In this context, the cellular phenotype will also be discussed because the modes of migration are dictated by quantitative and physical aspects of the cell motility machinery.
Insights
Understanding cancer cell migration is key to preventing tumor spread. This review focuses on the molecular and cellular biology of invasion and metastasis, offering insights into new therapeutic strategies against advanced cancers.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Solid tumors are often curable if detected early, before spreading.
- Cancer dissemination (invasion and metastasis) leads to high morbidity and mortality.
- Current research aims to limit initial tumor spread and prevent secondary metastasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the signaling pathways and tissue responses driving tumor dissemination.
- To highlight cell migration as a critical factor in cancer progression.
- To explore therapeutic strategies targeting the adaptive behaviors of motile cancer cells.
Main Methods:
- Review of molecular, cellular, and tissue biology of tumor dissemination.
- Focus on signaling cascades and organ reactions involved in cancer spread.
- Analysis of cell migration and motility machinery in cancer progression.
Main Results:
- Tumor dissemination occurs via invasion and metastasis, each with unique challenges.
- Common strategies are employed by cancer cells for movement and survival in ectopic sites.
- Non-genetic factors, including cell migration and phenotype, are crucial for tumor progression.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the biology of cancer cell migration is essential for developing novel therapies.
- Targeting adaptive behaviors of motile cancer cells offers a promising therapeutic avenue.
- Further research into the molecular and physical aspects of cell motility can impede tumor spread.
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