Metastasis | Notion

Define the term, ‘metastasis’
Describe the processes by which metastasis is accomplished (i.e., the steps in the ‘metastatic cascade’)
Explain basic molecular mechanism(s) underpinning specific processes / steps in the metastatic cascade
Explain the contribution of the tumour microenvironment to tumour metastasis.

Define the terms metastasis, benign and malignant
What are the differences between benign and malignant tumours
What are the ten biological capabilities acquired during the development of human tumours?
What are the effects of metastatic tumours on the body?
Outline the metastatic cascade and the features of the tumour cell that enables this
What are the differences between epithelial and mesenchymal cells?
What is E-cadherin and what is its function? Invasion
What are integrins and what are its functions? Invasion
What is Hepatocyte Growth Factors (HGF) or scatter factors?
What proteases does the tumour cell secrete to be able to pass through the ECM?
What are the different modes of tumour spread?
How do tumour cells intravasate and extravasate?
Outline the extravasation process of cancer cells
What are selectins and what are their roles in tumour cell migration?