Molecular mechanisms of metastasis

J Surg Oncol. 2011 May 1;103(6):508-17. doi: 10.1002/jso.21690.

Abstract

The mechanism of metastasis is a complex set of events that build upon each other to achieve successful growth in organ sites beyond the primary tumor. The cumulative events for metastasis of different cancers have both common and specific cancer specific events. This review discusses several key factors in different cancers that are responsible in metastasis, which includes epigenetic regulation of tumor suppressor genes, functional activity of tumor-related chemokine receptors, and circulating tumor cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • DNA Methylation
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic*
  • Gene Silencing
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry / methods
  • Melanoma / physiopathology
  • MicroRNAs
  • Mouth Neoplasms / physiopathology
  • Neoplasm Metastasis / diagnosis
  • Neoplasm Metastasis / genetics
  • Neoplasm Metastasis / physiopathology*
  • Neoplastic Cells, Circulating / metabolism
  • Receptors, Chemokine / metabolism*
  • Skin Neoplasms / physiopathology

Substances

  • MicroRNAs
  • Receptors, Chemokine