Changes in tumor cells that lead to metastasis CTC's/circulating tumor cells)

ScienceDaily (Jan. 16, 2012) — Researchers at the Centro de Genómica e Investigación Oncológica (GENYO) -of which the University of Granada, Pfizer and the Andalusian Regional Government are members- have identified the genetic and phenotypic changes that cause tumor progression and metastasis. The process of metastasis -- which is the main cause of cancer death -- is caused by tumor cells invading distant organs with no direct anatomical relationship with the organ originally affected. For this to happen, it is necessary that these cells -which researchers call "circulating tumor cells" (CTCs) -, travel to these organs through blood....

"Biodynamics of Circulating Tumor Cell, Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis," published in the journals Cancer Biology & Therapy, Clinical Translational Oncoly y Annals of Oncology.