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Molecular Imaging and Biology

Published in:

01-06-2011 | Research Article

Evidence for an Additional Metastatic Route: In Vivo Imaging of Cancer Cells in the Primo-Vascular System Around Tumors and Organs

Authors: Jung Sun Yoo, Hong Bae Kim, Nayoun Won, Jiwon Bang, Sungjee Kim, Saeyoung Ahn, Byung-Cheon Lee, Kwang-Sup Soh

Published in: Molecular Imaging and Biology | Issue 3/2011

Abstract

Purpose

Researchers have been studying the mechanisms by which metastasis can be prevented via blocking the hematogenous and the lymphatic routes for a long time now. However, metastasis is still the single most challenging obstacle for successful cancer management. In a new twist that may require some retooling of this established approach, we investigated the hypothesis that tumor metastases can occur via an independent fluid-conducting system called the primo-vascular system.

Procedures

The dissemination and growth of near-infrared quantum dot (NIR QD)-electroporated cancer cells in metastatic sites were investigated using in vivo multispectral imaging techniques.

Results

Our results show that the NIR QD-labeled cancer cells were able to migrate through not only the blood vascular and lymphatic systems but also the primo-vascular system extending from around the tumor to inside the abdominal cavity. Furthermore, the NIR QD-labeled cancer cells, which had been seeded intraperitoneally, specifically infiltrated the primo-vascular system in the omentum and in the gonadal fat.

Conclusions

These findings strongly suggest that the primo-vascular system may be an additional metastasis route, complementing the lymphatic and hematogenous routes, which facilitate the dissemination and colonization of cancer cells at secondary sites.

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Title: Evidence for an Additional Metastatic Route: In Vivo Imaging of Cancer Cells in the Primo-Vascular System Around Tumors and Organs
Authors: Jung Sun Yoo
Hong Bae Kim
Nayoun Won
Jiwon Bang
Sungjee Kim
Saeyoung Ahn
Byung-Cheon Lee
Kwang-Sup Soh
Publication date: 01-06-2011
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Molecular Imaging and Biology / Issue 3/2011
Print ISSN: 1536-1632
Electronic ISSN: 1860-2002
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11307-010-0366-1

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Evidence for an Additional Metastatic Route: In Vivo Imaging of Cancer Cells in the Primo-Vascular System Around Tumors and Organs

Abstract

Purpose

Procedures

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Procedures

Results

Conclusions

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