Metastasis Organotropism: Redefining the Congenial Soil.

ABSTRACT: Metastasis is the most devastating stage of cancer progression and causes the majority of cancer-related deaths. Clinical observations suggest that most cancers metastasize to specific organs, a process known as "organotropism." Elucidating the underlying mechanisms may help identify targets and treatment strategies to benefit patients. This review summarizes recent findings on tumor-intrinsic properties and their interaction with unique features of host organs, which together determine organ-specific metastatic behaviors. Emerging insights related to the roles of metabolic changes, the immune landscapes of target organs, and variation in epithelial-mesenchymal transitions open avenues for future studies of metastasis organotropism.

SUBMITTER: Gao Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6506189 | biostudies-literature | 2019 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature