Comprehensive understanding of anchorage-independent survival and its implication in cancer metastasis

Detachment is the initial and critical step for cancer metastasis. Only the cells that survive from detachment can develop metastases. Following the disruption of cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions, cells are exposed to a totally different chemical and mechanical environment. During which, cells inevitably suffer from multiple stresses, including loss of growth stimuli from ECM, altered mechanical force, cytoskeletal reorganization, reduced nutrient uptake, and increased reactive oxygen species generation. Here we review the impact of these stresses on the anchorage-independent survival and the underlying molecular signaling pathways. Furthermore, its implications in cancer metastasis and treatment are also discussed.

Automated summary

Detachment is the critical step for cancer metastasis, exposing cells to different chemical and mechanical environments and multiple stresses. These stresses, including loss of growth stimuli and increased reactive oxygen species, have significant impacts on anchorage-independent survival and molecular signaling pathways, affecting cancer metastasis and treatment.