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Updated: May 24, 2025
Murine Model of Metastatic Liver Tumors in the Setting of Ischemia Reperfusion Injury
Published on: August 30, 2019
Liver Metastasis in Cancer: Molecular Mechanisms and Management
Wenchao Xu1,2,3,4, Jia Xu5, Jianzhou Liu1,2,3,4
1Department of General Surgery Peking Union Medical College Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Beijing China.
Abstract:
Liver metastasis is a leading cause of mortality from malignant tumors and significantly impairs the efficacy of therapeutic interventions. In recent years, both preclinical and clinical research have made significant progress in understanding the molecular mechanisms and therapeutic strategies of liver metastasis. Metastatic tumor cells from different primary sites undergo highly similar biological processes, ultimately achieving ectopic colonization and growth in the liver. In this review, we begin by introducing the inherent metastatic-friendly features of the liver. We then explore the panorama of liver metastasis and conclude the three continuous, yet distinct phases based on the liver's response to metastasis. This includes metastatic sensing stage, metastatic stress stage, and metastasis support stage. We discuss the intricate interactions between metastatic tumor cells and various resident and recruited cells. In addition, we emphasize the critical role of spatial remodeling of immune cells in liver metastasis. Finally, we review the recent advancements and the challenges faced in the clinical management of liver metastasis. Future precise antimetastatic treatments should fully consider individual heterogeneity and implement different targeted interventions based on stages of liver metastasis.
Insights
Liver metastasis, a major cause of cancer death, involves distinct stages of the liver
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Hepatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Liver metastasis is a primary driver of cancer mortality, complicating treatment efficacy.
- Tumor cells from various origins share common pathways for liver colonization and growth.
- The liver possesses inherent characteristics that facilitate metastatic processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the molecular mechanisms and therapeutic strategies for liver metastasis.
- To elucidate the distinct phases of liver metastasis based on the liver's response.
- To highlight the role of cellular interactions and immune microenvironment in liver metastasis.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical and clinical research on liver metastasis.
- Analysis of molecular mechanisms driving tumor cell colonization and growth in the liver.
- Examination of host-pathogen interactions and immune cell spatial remodeling.
Main Results:
- Liver metastasis progresses through three distinct phases: sensing, stress, and support.
- Intricate interactions between metastatic cells and liver-resident/recruited cells are crucial.
- Spatial remodeling of immune cells significantly influences liver metastasis progression.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the stages of liver metastasis is key to developing effective treatments.
- Future antimetastatic therapies must address individual heterogeneity and stage-specific interventions.
- Targeted interventions based on the distinct phases of liver metastasis are essential for improved outcomes.
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