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Updated: Jul 15, 2025
Generation of Organ-conditioned Media and Applications for Studying Organ-specific Influences on Breast Cancer Metastatic Behavior
Published on: June 13, 2016
Understanding crosstalk of organ tropism, tumor microenvironment and noncoding RNAs in breast cancer metastasis
Sohini Chakraborty1, Satarupa Banerjee2
1Department of Biotechnology, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632014, Tamil Nadu, India.
Abstract:
Cancer metastasis is one of the major clinical challenges worldwide due to limited existing effective treatments. Metastasis roots from the host organ of origin and gradually migrates to different regional and distant organs. In different breast cancer subtypes, different organs like bones, liver, lungs and brain are targeted by the metastatic tumor cells. Cancer renders mortality to their respective metastasizing sites like bones, brain, liver, and lungs. Metastatic breast cancers are best treated and managed if detected at an early stage. Metastasis is regulated by various molecular activators and suppressors. The conventional theory of 'seed and soil' states that metastatic tumor cells move to tumor microenvironment that has favorable conditions like blood flow for them to grow just like seeds grows when planted in fertile land. Additionally, different coding as well as non-coding RNAs play a very significant role in the process of metastasis by modulating their expression levels leading to a crosstalk of various tumorigenic cascades. Treatments for metastasis is also very critical in controlling this lethal process. Detecting breast cancer metastasis at an early stage is crucial for managing and predicting metastatic progression. In this review, we have compiled several factors that can be targeted to manage the onset and gradual stages of breast cancer metastasis.
Insights
Cancer metastasis, a major challenge, involves tumor cells spreading to distant organs. Early detection and targeting molecular factors are crucial for managing breast cancer metastasis and improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Cancer metastasis presents a significant global clinical challenge with limited effective treatments.
- Metastasis involves tumor cells migrating from the primary site to regional and distant organs, including bone, liver, lungs, and brain, depending on breast cancer subtype.
- Early detection of metastatic breast cancer is critical for effective management and improved prognosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and compile key factors involved in the initiation and progression of breast cancer metastasis.
- To highlight the role of molecular activators, suppressors, and both coding and non-coding RNAs in metastasis.
- To identify potential therapeutic targets for managing metastatic breast cancer.
Main Methods:
- This review synthesizes current knowledge on cancer metastasis.
- It examines the 'seed and soil' theory and the influence of the tumor microenvironment.
- The role of various RNAs in regulating metastatic cascades is discussed.
Main Results:
- Metastasis is a complex process regulated by numerous molecular factors.
- Coding and non-coding RNAs significantly modulate metastatic cascades through expression level changes.
- The tumor microenvironment plays a crucial role in supporting metastatic tumor growth.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms of metastasis is essential for developing novel therapeutic strategies.
- Targeting specific molecular activators, suppressors, and RNA modulations offers potential for controlling breast cancer metastasis.
- Early detection and intervention remain paramount in managing metastatic breast cancer.
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