[Progression in metastasis of colorectal carcinoma]

Globally, the incidence of colorectal carcinoma (CRC) ranks the third among all cancers. The incidence of CRC is continually increasing in China. Invasion and metastasis are the major causes of death. Metastasis is a complex multistep malignant process, including the detachment of tumor cells from the primary site, interaction of tumor cells with the surrounding extracellular matrix, entering into the circulation or lymph system, adhesion to the endothelial cells of vascular wall, migration of tumor cells into secondary sites, angiogenesis and formation of new metastases. This article reviews the recent research progress in aspects of the metastasis related genes, microRNAs, epithelial mesenchymal transition, tumor stem cells, and micro environment of colorectal cancer.