Mechanism of lymph node metastasis in prostate cancer

Detection of lymph node metastases indicates poor prognosis for prostate cancer patients. Therefore, elucidation of the mechanism(s) of lymph node metastasis is important to understand the progression of prostate cancer and also to develop therapeutic interventions. In this article, the known mechanisms for lymph node metastasis are discussed and the involvement of lymphatic vessels in prostate cancer lymph node metastasis is comprehensively summarized. In addition, contradictory findings regarding the importance of lymphangiogenesis in facilitating lymph node metastasis in prostate cancer are pointed out and reconcilation is attempted.