Metastasis

This chapter concentrates on the process by which tumor cells from a primary site invade and migrate to other parts of the body — metastasis. It stresses that metastasis, a hallmark of cancer, is the fundamental difference between a benign and a malignant growth, and represents the major clinical problem of cancer. The chapter then analyzes how tumors spread, then looks at the process of metastasis. It also discusses the nature of invasion and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition as well as the intravasation, transport, and extravasation. The spread of cells throughout the body results in physical obstruction, competition with normal cells for nutrients and oxygen, and invasion and interference with organ function. The chapter then shifts to review metastatic colonization and organotropism. It ultimately concludes by explicating metalloproteinase inhibitors and the strategies for restoring metastasis suppressors.