About this Research Topic
The field of cancer metastasis research is pivotal in understanding the mechanisms behind the spread of cancer cells from primary tumors to secondary organs. Despite significant advancements, the exact causes and processes that drive metastasis remain elusive. Metastasis is a complex and deadly process, with fewer than half of the tumor cells that leave the primary site successfully colonizing secondary organs. The "seed-and-soil" hypothesis has been instrumental in enhancing our understanding, suggesting that metastatic cells (seeds) thrive in specific organ environments (soil). Recent studies have highlighted the role of primary tumors in preparing secondary sites for colonization by releasing exosomes, cytokines, and other signaling molecules. These substances modify the extracellular matrix and attract immune and stromal cells, creating a conducive microenvironment for cancer cell survival and proliferation. However, there is still a need for a deeper investigation into the early stages of metastasis and the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved.
This research topic aims to elucidate the molecular and cellular features of early metastasis development. By focusing on the initial stages of metastasis, the goal is to identify key biological cargos and signaling pathways that facilitate the formation of a metastatic niche. Specific questions include understanding the role of exosomes, cfDNA, and cytokines in driving metastasis, as well as identifying early detection markers that could lead to better diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. The research will test hypotheses related to the remodeling of physiological parameters at metastatic sites and the metabolic reprogramming that supports organ-specific colonization.
To gather further insights into the boundaries of early metastasis, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Role of biological cargos (exosome, cfDNA, cytokines, etc.) in driving the development of the
metastatic niche
- Remodeling of the physiological parameters at the metastatic site
- Metabolic reprogramming and organotropism in metastatic niche formation
- Early detection markers for metastasis formation
This comprehensive approach aims to fill existing gaps in our understanding and pave the way for innovative diagnostic and treatment methods in cancer metastasis.
This research topic aims to elucidate the molecular and cellular features of early metastasis development. By focusing on the initial stages of metastasis, the goal is to identify key biological cargos and signaling pathways that facilitate the formation of a metastatic niche. Specific questions include understanding the role of exosomes, cfDNA, and cytokines in driving metastasis, as well as identifying early detection markers that could lead to better diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. The research will test hypotheses related to the remodeling of physiological parameters at metastatic sites and the metabolic reprogramming that supports organ-specific colonization.
To gather further insights into the boundaries of early metastasis, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Role of biological cargos (exosome, cfDNA, cytokines, etc.) in driving the development of the
metastatic niche
- Remodeling of the physiological parameters at the metastatic site
- Metabolic reprogramming and organotropism in metastatic niche formation
- Early detection markers for metastasis formation
This comprehensive approach aims to fill existing gaps in our understanding and pave the way for innovative diagnostic and treatment methods in cancer metastasis.
Keywords: premetastatic niche, metastasis, exosomes, cfDNA, tumor microenvironment, ECM-remodeling
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
