Journal
CANCER AND METASTASIS REVIEWS
Volume 31, Issue 1-2, Pages 235-246Publisher
SPRINGER
DOI: 10.1007/s10555-011-9343-7
Keywords
Breast cancer; Colorectal cancer; Positive lymph node; Tumor cell dissemination; Tumor growth
Categories
Ask authors/readers for more resources
Our understanding of the role of lymph nodes (LN) in the metastasization process (MET) is marginal. Positive LNs (pLN) are the most important prognostic factor and lymph node dissection (LND) is still standard practice in primary treatment. However, up to now, there is almost no evidence that elective LND has a survival benefit. Based on many clinical and experimental findings, we propose that tumor foci in regional LN are incapable of metastasization and can therefore not infiltrate further LN and organs. Available data demonstrate a very early infiltration of MET capable tumor cells from the primary tumor into regional LN, and thereafter an increased probability of subsequent LN infiltrations. Disparate growth rates of the first versus subsequent infiltrating tumors as well as the asymptotic growth and prognosis of large tumor foci in LN explain many clinical observations for solid tumors. The consequence of the hypothesis pLN do not metastasize would impact clinical treatment and research and contribute to understanding the mounting evidence against LND.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available