An Overview of Metastatic Organotropism: Mechanisms and Emerging Therapeutic Targets

المؤلفون

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54133/ajms.v10i2.2774

الكلمات المفتاحية:

Dormancy، Metastasis، Organotropism، Pre-metastatic niche، Reawakening

الملخص

The main cause of cancer-related mortality is metastasis, which is the spread of tumor cells from their initial location to distant sites in the body. The process is not random but follows a distinct pattern of organotropism, in which certain cancers preferentially colonize distant sites. For example, estrogen-positive breast cancer may metastasize to the bones or colorectal cancer to the liver. Understanding the molecular drivers of organotropism is critical for developing effective therapies. This work combines the traditional "seed and soil" theory with modern molecular discoveries to provide a thorough overview of the current mechanistic framework underlying metastatic organotropism. We describe the multistep journey of circulating tumor cells, emphasizing key determinants such as the intrinsic properties of cancer cells, the creation of a favorable pre-metastatic niche, the interactions between disseminated cells and the microenvironment, and the role of the immune system in metastasis. We discuss organ-specific strategies aimed at disrupting the metastatic cascade, including targeting niche-forming pathways, intercepting cancer cell adhesion and modulating the immune microenvironment. Finally, we outline future challenges and opportunities, emphasizing the need for advanced models and integrative multi-omics to underscore the shifting therapeutic paradigm from late-stage generalized treatment to early targeted prevention of metastasis.

التنزيلات

بيانات التنزيل غير متوفرة بعد.

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التنزيلات

منشور

2026-04-05

كيفية الاقتباس

Al-Janabi, I. I. (2026). An Overview of Metastatic Organotropism: Mechanisms and Emerging Therapeutic Targets. Al-Rafidain Journal of Medical Sciences, 10(2), 30–42. https://doi.org/10.54133/ajms.v10i2.2774

إصدار

القسم

Review article

الأعمال الأكثر قراءة لنفس المؤلف/المؤلفين

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