Cancer Metastasis
Cancer Metastasis - Related Videos
10:58
Quantitation of Intra-peritoneal Ovarian Cancer Metastasis
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Cited by 15 •
2016
Ovarian cancer metastasis is characterized by numerous diffuse intra-peritoneal lesions, such that accurate visual quantitation of tumor burden is challenging. Herein we describe a method for in situ and ex vivo quantitation of metastatic tumor burden using red fluorescent protein (RFP)-labeled tumor cells and optical imaging.
08:11
An Orthotopic Mouse Model of Spontaneous Breast Cancer Metastasis
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Cited by 83 •
2016
An orthotopic breast cancer primary tumor model and surgical removal of primary tumor to extend mouse life to generate spontaneous metastasis are described. The tumor growth and progression are monitored and quantified by luciferase fluorescence imaging.
06:48
An Orthotopic Murine Model of Human Prostate Cancer Metastasis
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Cited by 30 •
2013
This orthotopic model of human prostate cancer allows for quantification of tumor size, circulating tumor cells, and formation of distinct metastasis to the lung. As cells must escape the primary organ, enter the blood stream, and implant into a secondary site, this model effectively recapitulates the scenario in humans.
07:47
Studying the Role of Alveolar Macrophages in Breast Cancer Metastasis
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Cited by 7 •
2016
Here we describe the model and approach to study functions of pulmonary alveolar macrophages in cancer metastasis. To demonstrate the role of these cells in metastasis, the syngeneic (4T1) model of breast cancer in conjunction with the depletion of alveolar macrophage with clodronate liposomes was used.
08:40
Quantitative Analysis of Cancer Metastasis using an Avian Embryo Model
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Cited by 90 •
2011
Using quantitative PCR, we demonstrate how the well-established chick CAM model can be used to quantitatively analyze the metastasis of human tumor cells to distant organs.
FAQs
Metastatic cancer cells interact dynamically with surrounding stromal and immune cells as they progress through different stages of dissemination. These neighboring cells are therefore part of the biological context, rather than merely background tissue. Examining these interactions helps biologists explain how tumor progression occurs and may reveal opportunities to interfere with the metastatic process.
The process can be examined through local invasion, entry into blood or lymphatic vessels, survival during circulation, exit into new tissue, and colonization. Separating these stages gives researchers a framework for analyzing where malignant cells encounter biological challenges. This stepwise view supports the search for biomarkers and treatments directed at particular parts of dissemination.
Blood and lymphatic vessels provide routes through which malignant cells can leave a primary tumor and reach other tissues. Studying entry into these vessels, followed by survival during circulation, connects local tumor behavior with distant disease. This vascular perspective helps researchers investigate dissemination and identify biological features associated with metastatic risk.
Reaching a distant tissue does not complete the metastatic process; malignant cells must also exit into that tissue and establish a secondary tumor. Colonization therefore represents a crucial outcome to examine after dissemination. Research focused on this stage can improve understanding of secondary lesions and inform strategies intended to limit their development or target them therapeutically.
Biologists study the process by examining its major stages, the interactions between cancer cells and surrounding stromal or immune cells, and the establishment of secondary tumors. Research models are also used for testing anticancer treatments. Together, these approaches connect cellular behavior with tumor progression and help evaluate how interventions may affect dissemination or distant lesions.
Metastasis research can identify biomarkers associated with metastatic risk and clarify how tumor progression relates to the development of distant disease. These findings support more accurate prognosis by helping distinguish tumors according to their likelihood of harmful spread. The same biological information can also guide research into treatments aimed at dissemination or secondary lesions.
Understanding the stages of dissemination provides targets for therapies designed to block cancer cells from spreading or to act against secondary lesions after they form. Models of metastasis support testing of such anticancer treatments before broader evaluation. This research also links treatment design to the cellular interactions and progression patterns observed in tumor biology.