[Principles of tumor invasion and metastasis]

Histopathological and clinical parameters are of limited value in characterization of the individual course of disease in bladder cancer patients. Down-regulation of E-cadherin, an intercellular adhesion molecule, and upregulation of autocrine motility factor receptor (AMFR) expression have been shown to play a part in tumour cell invasion and metastasis. In a retrospective analysis concerning 95 different bladder specimens and a prospective study in 100 bladder cancer patients, reduction in E-cadherin concomitantly with an increase in AMFR expression was associated with a poor prognosis. The dual use of these two antigens may improve early diagnosis of high-risk bladder cancer patients and influence treatment decisions.