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Metastasis is the leading cause of cancer related deaths and commonly associated with Stage IV cancer. This paper will answer the question of: “How do the different circumstances of metastatic origin, growth, and spread affect the function of abdominal organs and life expectancy in cancer patients as well as how varied treatment options affect tumor spread?” in the style of an empirical review. It details numerous studies on metastasis formation, growth, and its effects in the three abdominal organs of the colon/ rectum, pancreas, and the stomach. Additionally, it delves into the treatment options for metastasis and how they help or worsen the situation.
Overall, the key factors in tumor spread is the tumor microenvironment which highlights the interactions between healthy and malignant cells. Tumors secrete various growth factors, the most important being VEGF which is helpful in the processes of acquiring nutrients and oxygen for it to grow and develop. Prior niches are formed which guide the tumors on where to spread depending on the cancer type. In abdominal organs specifically, the most common sites of metastasis are the liver, lung, and peritoneum, which indicates proximal metastasis of cancers which originate in that region. Lastly, treatment methods aimed at eliminating the chance of cancer metastasis can lead to a stimulation of metastasis, having the opposite of its intended effect. Ultimately, cancer research is a field which is actively being experienced and studied to make developments and further existing knowledge.
By: Sinchana Keshav