Host genetics influence tumour metastasis
- 1 February 2006
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Springer Nature in Nature Reviews Cancer
- Vol. 6 (2) , 141-146
- https://doi.org/10.1038/nrc1803
Abstract
Recent evidence implies that germline polymorphisms might significantly influence the metastatic capacity of tumours. This article discusses whether, in the future, inherited, prospective metastatic biomarkers might be in common use for cancer prognosis and the selection of tailored tumour treatment. The complexity of the metastatic process has made it difficult to gain a full understanding of the origins of this most lethal aspect of cancer. Many factors probably have an important role, including somatic mutation, epigenetic modulations, interactions with normal stroma, and environmental stimuli. Additionally, recent evidence implies a significant role for germline polymorphisms in cancer progression. The existence of inherited metastasis risk factors (or prospective metastatic biomarkers) has potentially significant implications for our models of metastasis, clinical prognosis and the development of tailored treatment. Further investigations into the inherited components of metastasis might help resolve many of the questions that remain about tumour progression.Keywords
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