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Updated: Feb 12, 2026

Induction and Analysis of Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition
Published on: August 27, 2013
Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition: Liaison between Cancer Metastasis and Drug Resistance
Feng Du1, Hao Liu1, Yuanyuan Lu1
1State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China.
Abstract:
Metastasis and drug resistance are two of the leading causes of death in cancer patients. Poor responses to antitumor drugs can lead to tumor cell dissemination and metastasis. On the other hand, cells that metastasize to lymph nodes and distant organs are liable to drug resistance. Recently, the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been found to play a critical role in cancer metastasis and drug resistance; however, the underlying and intrinsic links between them remain unclear. In this review, we summarize recent advances in tumor metastasis and drug resistance, and we focus especially on the association between EMT, metastasis, and drug resistance. We discuss the molecular mechanisms and potential pathways involved in the regulation of EMT, focusing simultaneously on the roles of EMT in modulating metastasis and drug resistance, especially the nature of their intrinsic links across different types of cancer.
Insights
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) links cancer metastasis and drug resistance. This review explores EMT
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Metastasis and drug resistance are primary drivers of cancer mortality.
- Tumor cell dissemination and metastasis are linked to poor drug responses.
- Metastatic cells often exhibit increased drug resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in understanding tumor metastasis and drug resistance.
- To focus on the association between epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), metastasis, and drug resistance.
- To elucidate the intrinsic links between EMT, metastasis, and drug resistance in various cancers.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent scientific advances.
- Analysis of molecular mechanisms regulating EMT.
- Discussion of EMT's role in modulating metastasis and drug resistance.
Main Results:
- EMT plays a critical role in both cancer metastasis and drug resistance.
- EMT is intrinsically linked to metastasis and drug resistance.
- Molecular mechanisms and pathways regulating EMT are crucial.
Conclusions:
- EMT is a key factor connecting cancer metastasis and drug resistance.
- Understanding EMT's role is vital for developing effective cancer therapies.
- Further research into the intrinsic links of EMT is warranted across diverse cancer types.
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