Metastasis suppressors: basic and translational advances

Curr Pharm Biotechnol. 2011 Nov;12(11):1948-60. doi: 10.2174/138920111798376914.

Abstract

Tumor metastasis is a main contributor to death in cancer patients. In the last years, a new class of molecules that reduces the metastatic propensity has been identified: metastasis suppressors. These proteins regulate multiple steps in the metastatic cascade, including cell invasion, survival in the vascular and lymphatic circulation, and colonization of distant organ sites. As a consequence, they are very important therapeutic targets. This review discusses our current understanding of metastasis suppressors and how this knowledge might be useful to improve the treatment of cancer patients.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Atrasentan
  • Endothelin-1 / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Genes, Tumor Suppressor*
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Metastasis* / drug therapy
  • Neoplasm Metastasis* / genetics
  • Neoplasm Metastasis* / pathology
  • Pyrrolidines / therapeutic use
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins / genetics
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Endothelin-1
  • Pyrrolidines
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins
  • Atrasentan