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The mysterious process of cancer metastasis: Why does breast cancer target specific organs?
Breast cancer metastasis, also known as metastatic breast cancer, refers to breast cancer cells that have spread to other parts of the breast. Breast cancer at this stage is incurable and has a very high mortality rate. According to data, approximately 90% of breast cancer deaths are related to distant metastasis, and the most common metastatic sites include bones, lungs, liver, brain and lymph nodes. If breast cancer cannot be completely cured, why can breast cancer cells choose specific organs to metastasize?
The process of breast cancer metastasis usually involves complex steps such as cell growth, invasion and blood circulation.
Selectivity of transfer
The metastasis mechanism of breast cancer cells is quite complex and involves many biological and environmental factors. Studies have shown that metastasis of breast cancer cells to certain organs, such as bones or brain, is associated with specific biochemical pathways. These pathways are often regulated by chemoattractant factors within the target organ as well as by receptors on the surface of tumor cells. Factors affected include the local environment, blood flow patterns, and adhesion molecules on the surface of cancer cells.
Cell transfer process
Starting from the growth of the primary tumor, cancer cells metastasize through the following processes:
- Cancer cells divide and grow inside the primary tumor.
- Cancer cells invade the borders of the tumor and surrounding tissue.
- Cancer cells enter the circulatory system through the blood or lymphatic system.
- After surviving in the new environment, cancer cells eventually settle in the microvessels.
- Cancer cells invade the basement membrane of the target tissue.
- Multiply at metastatic sites and form micrometastases.
- Gradually develop life-threatening metastatic tumors.
According to the "seed and soil hypothesis," certain organs promote the growth of certain types of cancer, which may explain why breast cancer chooses to metastasize to certain target organs.
Symptoms of metastasis
Symptoms of metastatic breast cancer vary depending on the organs affected. For example, bone metastases may cause severe pain or pathological fractures, while lung metastases may cause persistent cough and difficulty breathing. These symptoms can affect patients’ quality of life and delay their receiving necessary treatment.
Environmental barriers and drug resistance
During the metastasis process, tumor cells need to overcome multiple environmental barriers, such as basement membrane, oxidants, hypoxia, etc. The presence of these obstacles makes it more difficult for tumor cells to metastasize. Furthermore, metastatic breast cancer cells are often resistant to previous treatments, making treatment even more challenging.
Treatment Options
Although metastatic breast cancer cannot be cured, it can be treated palliatively with surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and biological therapy. Treatment plans are often tailored to the location of the metastasis, the patient's overall health, and individual needs, which are key to successful treatment.
Future Outlook
In the research field, experts are trying to gain a deeper understanding of the biological mechanisms of breast cancer metastasis in order to develop more effective treatments. With the advancement of new medical technologies, we may be able to find effective treatment options to control metastatic breast cancer in the future, thereby improving patients' survival rate and quality of life.
Yet, despite these advances, we still have to ask: Why do some cancer cells choose specific organs instead of spreading haphazardly throughout the body?
