Envisioning a model for the initial steps of metastasis to better understand the limitations and possibilities of Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition in Cancer

Abstract

Carcinomas are one of leading causes of mortality in the developed the world. Metastasis or the spreading of the disease throughout the body is the prime reason for death due to carcinomas. Current therapies dealing with the disease are unable to offer a cure as they focus on already established metastases. In order to find ways to circumvent metastasis, the focus of research has now shifted towards preventing the initial onset of metastasis. Epithelial Mesenchymal transition (EMT) is presumed to be one of the key players in the initial steps of metastasis (invasion). Although there is a lack of clinical proof of its existence and correlation, in vitro studies claim otherwise and it is still hailed by many to be one of the most important steps in metastasis. However, there are also some findings that claim the onset of metastasis devoid of invasion and EMT using a more passive approach. It appears that there is no single consensus on the exact mechanism of the initial steps of metastasis and the role of EMT in the same. Thus, we propose a model to alleviate the uncertainty regarding the involvement of EMT in metastasis.