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Open Access 01-12-2004 | Research article

Morphological evidence for an invasion-independent metastasis pathway exists in multiple human cancers

Authors: Takashi Sugino, Tomiko Yamaguchi, Go Ogura, Atsuko Saito, Takeaki Hashimoto, Nobuo Hoshi, Sayaka Yoshida, Steve Goodison, Toshimitsu Suzuki

Published in: BMC Medicine | Issue 1/2004

Abstract

Background

We have previously described an alternative invasion-independent pathway of cancer metastasis in a murine mammary tumor model. This pathway is initiated by intravasation of tumor nests enveloped by endothelial cells of sinusoidal vasculature within the tumor. In this study, we examined whether evidence for the invasion-independent pathway of metastasis is present in human cancers.

Methods

Archival specimens of 10 common types of human cancers were examined for the presence of sinusoidal vasculature enveloping tumor nests and subsequently generated endothelial-covered tumor emboli in efferent veins.

Results

A percentage of tumor emboli in all cancers was found to be enveloped by endothelial cells, but these structures were particularly prevalent in renal cell carcinomas, hepatocellular carcinomas and follicular thyroid carcinomas. A common feature of the vasculature in these tumors was the presence of dilated sinusoid-like structures surrounding tumor nests. A high mean vascular area within tumors, an indication of sinusoidal vascular development, was significantly related to the presence of endothelial-covered tumor emboli.

Conclusions

These results suggest that an invasion-independent metastatic pathway is possible in a wide variety of human cancers. Further investigation of this phenomenon may present new therapeutic strategies for the amelioration of cancer metastasis.

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The pre-publication history for this paper can be accessed here:http://www.biomedcentral.com/1741-7015/2/9/prepub

Title: Morphological evidence for an invasion-independent metastasis pathway exists in multiple human cancers
Authors: Takashi Sugino
Tomiko Yamaguchi
Go Ogura
Atsuko Saito
Takeaki Hashimoto
Nobuo Hoshi
Sayaka Yoshida
Steve Goodison
Toshimitsu Suzuki
Publication date: 01-12-2004
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Medicine / Issue 1/2004
Electronic ISSN: 1741-7015
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1741-7015-2-9

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Morphological evidence for an invasion-independent metastasis pathway exists in multiple human cancers

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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