Metastatic potential of human neoplasms

Primary human neoplasms are heterogeneous for a large number of properties that include invasion and metastasis. The process of metastasis consists of multiple selective steps. The outcome of metastasis is determined by the continuous interaction of metastatic cells with host homeostatic mechanisms. Since the outcome of metastasis is influenced by both the intrinsic properties of the tumor cell and host factors, the successful metastatic cell must be viewed as a cell able to manipulate its new microenvironment. For many years, our efforts to treat cancer have concentrated on the destruction of tumor cells. Strategies to treat tumor cells and to modulate the host organ microenvironment should provide an additional approach for cancer treatment. Recent advancements in our understanding of the biological basis of cancer metastasis present unprecedented possibilities for translating basic research to the clinical reality of cancer treatment.