One of the hallmark characteristics of cancer cells is their ability to invade surrounding tissues and metastasize to distant parts of the body. This process involves several steps:
Detachment: Cancer cells lose their adhesion to neighboring cells and the extracellular matrix. Invasion: They produce enzymes that degrade the extracellular matrix, allowing them to penetrate into adjacent tissues. Intravasation: Cancer cells enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system, where they can travel to other parts of the body. Extravasation: Once they reach a distant site, cancer cells exit the bloodstream or lymphatic system and establish a new tumor.
