EMT is integral in the early stages of metastasis, where cancer cells detach from the primary tumor, invade surrounding tissues, and enter the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by the loss of epithelial markers such as E-cadherin and the gain of mesenchymal markers like N-cadherin and vimentin. These changes enhance the cells' ability to migrate and invade other tissues, leading to the formation of secondary tumors.
