Distant metastasis is the major cause of cancer-related mortality. Metastasis is a dynamic multi-step process that begins with tumor cells dissociating from the primary tumor, intravasating into the circulation followed by extravasation into and colonization of distant organs via interactions with the host microenvironment. Tumor cells may outgrow almost immediately or establish as dormant single cells or clusters. The latter cells can reside in an undetectable state for years to decades before re-emerging into clinically detectable metastases. These disseminated tumor cells are also often associated with increased therapeutic resistance which contributes to the poor patient outcome and reduced survival described above.
The process of metastasis involves a complex cascade of events that are dependent upon bi-directional interactions (still being elucidated) between disseminated tumor cells and the foreign metastatic microenvironment. Evidence suggests that cells and cues within the metastatic microenvironment are critical regulators of metastatic initiation and progression. The cells involved in include immune, stromal and endothelial cell types, while the cues derive from ECM components, soluble factors and extracellular vesicle-mediated signaling.
Metastatic disease remains largely incurable. Advances in our abilities to remove or treat primary tumors have not translated into sustained success against metastatic tumors. Thus, this Special Interest Topic focuses on manuscripts aimed at improving our understanding of the mechanisms that regulate metastatic dissemination and progression, and the potential ways we can utilize these discoveries to develop effective treatment regimes to either eradicate or transform it into a chronic manageable disease. Recent technological advances (e.g. organ-on-a-chip technology, sequencing and spatial transcriptomics, CRIPER-Cas9) in combination with multidisciplinary approaches are beginning to close this gap in our knowledge and lead to the development of more effective therapies.
We will explore the intrinsic mechanisms along with the cells and cues within the tumor microenvironment that promote tumor cell invasion and metastasis. We welcome the submission of Original Research, Review, Opinion and Perspective articles on potential topics that include, but are not limited to:
• Role of biomechanical cues in cancer cell migration, invasion and metastasis
• Interplay between stromal, endothelial and immune cells with tumor cells that promote dissemination and metastasis
• Signaling mechanisms implicated in metastasis
• Latest methods and technologies to investigate metastasis
• Contribution of extracellular vesicles in the tumor microenvironment
Distant metastasis is the major cause of cancer-related mortality. Metastasis is a dynamic multi-step process that begins with tumor cells dissociating from the primary tumor, intravasating into the circulation followed by extravasation into and colonization of distant organs via interactions with the host microenvironment. Tumor cells may outgrow almost immediately or establish as dormant single cells or clusters. The latter cells can reside in an undetectable state for years to decades before re-emerging into clinically detectable metastases. These disseminated tumor cells are also often associated with increased therapeutic resistance which contributes to the poor patient outcome and reduced survival described above.
The process of metastasis involves a complex cascade of events that are dependent upon bi-directional interactions (still being elucidated) between disseminated tumor cells and the foreign metastatic microenvironment. Evidence suggests that cells and cues within the metastatic microenvironment are critical regulators of metastatic initiation and progression. The cells involved in include immune, stromal and endothelial cell types, while the cues derive from ECM components, soluble factors and extracellular vesicle-mediated signaling.
Metastatic disease remains largely incurable. Advances in our abilities to remove or treat primary tumors have not translated into sustained success against metastatic tumors. Thus, this Special Interest Topic focuses on manuscripts aimed at improving our understanding of the mechanisms that regulate metastatic dissemination and progression, and the potential ways we can utilize these discoveries to develop effective treatment regimes to either eradicate or transform it into a chronic manageable disease. Recent technological advances (e.g. organ-on-a-chip technology, sequencing and spatial transcriptomics, CRIPER-Cas9) in combination with multidisciplinary approaches are beginning to close this gap in our knowledge and lead to the development of more effective therapies.
We will explore the intrinsic mechanisms along with the cells and cues within the tumor microenvironment that promote tumor cell invasion and metastasis. We welcome the submission of Original Research, Review, Opinion and Perspective articles on potential topics that include, but are not limited to:
• Role of biomechanical cues in cancer cell migration, invasion and metastasis
• Interplay between stromal, endothelial and immune cells with tumor cells that promote dissemination and metastasis
• Signaling mechanisms implicated in metastasis
• Latest methods and technologies to investigate metastasis
• Contribution of extracellular vesicles in the tumor microenvironment
