What Is the Impact of Mechanical Stress on Cancer Cells?
Mechanical stress can influence cancer cell behavior in multiple ways. For instance, shear stress from fluid flow in blood vessels can affect the ability of cancer cells to metastasize. Compression forces within the tumor can alter cellular signaling pathways, leading to changes in gene expression that promote survival and proliferation. Mechanical stress can also impact the mechanical properties of cancer cells themselves, making them more adaptable to different environments.
