Why does Metastasis occur?

Metastasis is the spread of cancer cells from their primary site to other parts of the body. It is the main cause of death for people with cancer.

There are several steps involved in metastasis, including:

- Local invasion: Cancer cells first invade the surrounding tissue and destroy the normal architecture of the organ.

- Intravasation: Cancer cells then enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system and travel to other parts of the body

- Extravasation: Cancer cells exit the bloodstream or lymphatic system and invade the tissue at the new site.

- Colonization: Cancer cells grow and form new tumors at the new site.

The ability of cancer cells to metastasize depends on a number of factors, including:

- The type of cancer: Some types of cancer are more likely to metastasize than others. For example, breast cancer, lung cancer, and colon cancer are all known to be highly metastatic.

- The location of the primary tumor: Cancers that occur in organs that are near the bloodstream or lymphatic system are more likely to metastasize. For example, lung cancer is more likely to metastasize than brain cancer.

- The stage of the cancer: Cancers that are diagnosed at an early stage are less likely to have metastasized than cancers that are diagnosed at an advanced stage.

- The individual's immune system: Individuals with a strong immune system are less likely to develop metastasis.

Scientists are currently working to develop new treatments that can prevent or treat metastasis. Some of the most promising treatments include:

- Targeted therapy: These drugs work by blocking the specific proteins that allow cancer cells to grow and spread. Targeted therapy is often used to treat advanced cancers.

- Immunotherapy: These drugs work by boosting the immune system's ability to recognize and destroy cancer cells. Immunotherapy is often used to treat patients with advanced cancers that have not responded to other treatments.