Metastatic Tumor Cell Behavior in Situ
Abstract
During metastasis from a primary tumor, cell motility is believed to be important for dissemination of tumor cells from the primary tumor, and the steps called intravasation and extravasation. Proof that the active motility of tumor cells is a key component in metastasis would be a major advance. An understanding of the mechanisms of cell motility in metastatic tumor cells in vivo, in particular, would be important for a more rational system of diagnosis and treatment of metastatic cancers. We have developed a new method for imaging tumor cells in live animals and have identified subpopulations of moving cells within primary breast tumors. It is clear that metastatic tumor cells are actively motile as they disseminate from the primary site. This information supports the three-step hypothesis of metastasis which proposes that motility is necessary for a cell to metastasize. This model will be useful in describing and tracking the behavior and interactions of these metastatic tumor cells in vivo. In addition, it represents an opportunity to reliably procure pure populations of motile tumor cells in vivo under direct observation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA361604
Entities
People
- John Condeelis
Organizations
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine