Impact of the prolymphangiogenic crosstalk in the tumor microenvironment on lymphatic cancer metastasis

Biomed Res Int. 2014:2014:639058. doi: 10.1155/2014/639058. Epub 2014 Sep 1.

Abstract

Lymphangiogenesis is a very early step in lymphatic metastasis. It is regulated and promoted not only by the tumor cells themselves, but also by cells of the tumor microenvironment, including cancer associated fibroblasts, mesenchymal stem cells, dendritic cells, or macrophages. Even the extracellular matrix as well as cytokines and growth factors are involved in the process of lymphangiogenesis and metastasis. The cellular and noncellular components influence each other and can be influenced by the tumor cells. The knowledge about mechanisms behind lymphangiogenesis in the tumor microenvironmental crosstalk is growing and offers starting points for new therapeutic approaches.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Extracellular Matrix / metabolism
  • Extracellular Matrix / pathology
  • Humans
  • Lymphangiogenesis / genetics*
  • Lymphatic Metastasis / genetics*
  • Lymphatic Metastasis / pathology
  • Lymphatic Vessels / pathology
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / pathology
  • Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / metabolism
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / pathology
  • Signal Transduction
  • Tumor Microenvironment / genetics*