A perspective on the metastasis suppressor field

Metastasis is the leading cause of cancer patient mortality. Metastasis suppressors are genes that, upon reexpression in metastatic tumor cells to levels observed in their nonmetastatic counterparts, significantly reduce metastasis without affecting the growth of the primary tumor. Analysis of > 30 metastasis suppressors revealed complex mechanisms of action that include multiple signaling pathways, transcriptional patterns, posttranscriptional regulatory mechanisms, and potential contributions of genomic stability. Clinical testing of strategies to re-establish a validated metastasis suppressor pathway in tumors is best directed to the adjuvant setting, with the goal of inhibiting the outgrowth of occult micrometastases.

Automated summary

Metastasis is the main cause of cancer patient mortality. Metastasis suppressors are genes that can significantly reduce metastasis without affecting the growth of the primary tumor when reexpressed in metastatic tumor cells. Analysis of more than 30 metastasis suppressors has revealed complex mechanisms of action, including multiple signaling pathways, transcriptional patterns, posttranscriptional regulatory mechanisms, and potential contributions of genomic stability. Clinical testing of strategies to re-establish a validated metastasis suppressor pathway in tumors is best directed to the adjuvant setting, with the goal of inhibiting the outgrowth of occult micrometastases.