[Role of intercellular interactions in tumor progression and metastasis]

Cell-cell and cell-substratum interactions are mediated by specific cell adhesion molecules. These cell adhesion molecules play a central role in normal tissue organization and cell migration, as well as in tumor growth and metastasis. There is growing evidence that carbohydrates profiles of tumor cells change during malignant progression. These cell-surface carbohydrates may play an important role in intercellular interactions, as a ligands for endogenous cellular lectins.