Unravelling the complexity of metastasis—molecular understanding and targeted therapies

N Sethi, Y Kang - Nature Reviews Cancer, 2011 - nature.com
Nature Reviews Cancer, 2011nature.com
Despite recognizing the devastating consequences of metastasis, we are not yet able to
effectively treat cancer that has spread to vital organs. The inherent complexity of genomic
alterations in late-stage cancers, coupled with numerous heterotypic interactions that occur
between tumour and stromal cells, represent fundamental challenges in our quest to
understand and control metastatic disease. The incorporation of genomic and other systems
level approaches, as well as technological breakthroughs in imaging and animal modelling …
Abstract
Despite recognizing the devastating consequences of metastasis, we are not yet able to effectively treat cancer that has spread to vital organs. The inherent complexity of genomic alterations in late-stage cancers, coupled with numerous heterotypic interactions that occur between tumour and stromal cells, represent fundamental challenges in our quest to understand and control metastatic disease. The incorporation of genomic and other systems level approaches, as well as technological breakthroughs in imaging and animal modelling, have galvanized the effort to overcome gaps in our understanding of metastasis. Future research carries with it the potential to translate the wealth of new knowledge and conceptual advances into effective targeted therapies.
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