Plasticity of Cancer Cell Invasion—Mechanisms and Implications for Therapy

V. te Boekhorst, P. Friedl

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

62 Scopus citations

Abstract

Cancer cell migration is a plastic and adaptive process integrating cytoskeletal dynamics, cell–extracellular matrix and cell–cell adhesion, as well as tissue remodeling. In response to molecular and physical microenvironmental cues during metastatic dissemination, cancer cells exploit a versatile repertoire of invasion and dissemination strategies, including collective and single-cell migration programs. This diversity generates molecular and physical heterogeneity of migration mechanisms and metastatic routes, and provides a basis for adaptation in response to microenvironmental and therapeutic challenge. We here summarize how cytoskeletal dynamics, protease systems, cell–matrix and cell–cell adhesion pathways control cancer cell invasion programs, and how reciprocal interaction of tumor cells with the microenvironment contributes to plasticity of invasion and dissemination strategies. We discuss the potential and future implications of predicted “antimigration” therapies that target cytoskeletal dynamics, adhesion, and protease systems to interfere with metastatic dissemination, and the options for integrating antimigration therapy into the spectrum of targeted molecular therapies.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationAdvances in Cancer Research
PublisherAcademic Press Inc.
Pages209-264
Number of pages56
DOIs
StatePublished - 2016

Publication series

NameAdvances in Cancer Research
Volume132
ISSN (Print)0065-230X
ISSN (Electronic)2162-5557

Keywords

  • Amoeboid movement
  • Anticancer therapy
  • Cell adhesion
  • Collective migration
  • Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition
  • Mesenchymal migration
  • Metastasis
  • Plasticity
  • Proteolysis
  • Tumor cell invasion

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Plasticity of Cancer Cell Invasion—Mechanisms and Implications for Therapy'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this