Metastasis Organotropism: Redefining the Congenial Soil

Dev Cell. 2019 May 6;49(3):375-391. doi: 10.1016/j.devcel.2019.04.012.

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.

Keywords: EMT; immune microenvironment; metabolism; metastasis; niche; organotropism; seed and soil.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Disease Progression
  • Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition / physiology*
  • Fibroblasts / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness / pathology
  • Neoplasm Metastasis / pathology*
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Tumor Microenvironment