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Metastasis

Metastasis

Metastasis is the spread of cancer cells from the original site to distant locations in the body. Cancer cells can spread via blood vessels (hematogenous) as well as lymph vessels in the body.
Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition
The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition or EMT is a developmental process commonly observed in wound healing, embryogenesis, and cancer metastasis. EMT is induced by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) or receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) ligands, which further...

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Updated: Jan 9, 2026

Pathological Analysis of Lung Metastasis Following Lateral Tail-Vein Injection of Tumor Cells

Pathological Analysis of Lung Metastasis Following Lateral Tail-Vein Injection of Tumor Cells

Published on: May 20, 2020

Modeling metastasis: engineering approaches to study the metastatic cascade.

Hawley C Pruitt^1,2, Sharon Gerecht^1,2

¹Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins Physical Sciences in Oncology Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States of America.

Progress in Biomedical Engineering (Bristol, England)

|December 10, 2025

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Biomedical engineering advances offer precise models of the tumor microenvironment and metastasis. These novel systems, using biomaterials and microfluidics, enhance understanding of cancer cell invasion and migration dynamics.

Keywords:

hydrogel metastasis microfluidic device tumor microenvironment

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Last Updated: Jan 9, 2026

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Published on: March 12, 2018

Area of Science:

Biomedical Engineering
Cancer Biology
Mechanobiology

Background:

Tumor progression and metastasis involve complex tumor-environment interactions.
Traditional 2D and 3D models lack the precision to fully replicate the tumor microenvironment.
Biomedical engineering innovations are crucial for studying cancer metastasis.

Purpose of the Study:

To review advancements in biomedical engineering for modeling the tumor microenvironment and metastatic cascade.
To discuss how these engineered models improve understanding of cancer biology.
To highlight the impact of physical and mechanical factors on tumor cell invasion and migration.

Main Methods:

Utilizing novel biomaterials to create specific mechanical environments for studying cancer cell mechano-transduction.
Employing microfluidic devices to incorporate flow and shear forces into vascularized tumor models.
Developing models for confined migration, intravasation, extravasation, and colonization of secondary sites.

Main Results:

Biomaterials enable controlled studies of cancer cell mechano-transduction, influencing invasion.
Microfluidic devices reveal critical cancer cell migration mechanisms, challenging existing metastatic theories.
Engineered models provide insights into physical and mechanical influences on the metastatic cascade.

Conclusions:

Biomedical engineering approaches significantly advance cancer biology research.
Novel model systems enhance understanding of tumor microenvironment dynamics and metastasis.
These precise models are vital for elucidating mechanisms of tumor progression and colonization.