Invasjonmetastase

Invasjonmetastase refers to the process by which cancer cells break away from a primary tumor, invade surrounding tissues, and then spread to distant parts of the body. This metastatic process is a critical hallmark of advanced cancer and is responsible for the majority of cancer-related deaths. It involves several distinct steps.

The initial step is the detachment of cancer cells from the primary tumor mass. These cells acquire the ability to degrade the extracellular matrix, a network of proteins and molecules that surrounds cells, allowing them to move into surrounding healthy tissues. Following invasion, the cancer cells enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system, which are the body's transport networks. Once in circulation, these cells can travel to various organs, such as the lungs, liver, bones, or brain.

Upon reaching a new site, the circulating tumor cells must arrest their movement, exit the vasculature, and establish a secondary tumor, known as a metastasis. This process requires the cancer cells to adapt to a new microenvironment and often involves the recruitment of host cells to support tumor growth. The ability of cancer cells to undergo invasjonmetastase is influenced by genetic mutations within the tumor and interactions with the tumor microenvironment. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing effective cancer therapies aimed at preventing or treating metastasis.