Metastasis: a therapeutic target for cancer

Nat Clin Pract Oncol. 2008 Apr;5(4):206-19. doi: 10.1038/ncponc1066. Epub 2008 Feb 5.

Abstract

Metastasis remains the major driver of mortality in patients with cancer. Our growing body of knowledge regarding this process provides the basis for the development of molecularly targeted therapeutics aimed at the tumor cell or its interaction with the host microenvironment. Here we discuss the similarity and differences between primary tumors and metastases, pathways controlling the colonization of a distant organ, and incorporation of antimetastatic therapies into clinical testing.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Capillary Permeability / drug effects
  • Disease Progression
  • ErbB Receptors / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Metastasis / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms / blood supply
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic*
  • Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / drug effects

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • ErbB Receptors
  • Protein-Tyrosine Kinases