Pre-metastatic niche: formation, characteristics and therapeutic implication

Signal Transduct Target Ther. 2024 Sep 25;9(1):236. doi: 10.1038/s41392-024-01937-7.

Abstract

Distant metastasis is a primary cause of mortality and contributes to poor surgical outcomes in cancer patients. Before the development of organ-specific metastasis, the formation of a pre-metastatic niche is pivotal in promoting the spread of cancer cells. This review delves into the intricate landscape of the pre-metastatic niche, focusing on the roles of tumor-derived secreted factors, extracellular vesicles, and circulating tumor cells in shaping the metastatic niche. The discussion encompasses cellular elements such as macrophages, neutrophils, bone marrow-derived suppressive cells, and T/B cells, in addition to molecular factors like secreted substances from tumors and extracellular vesicles, within the framework of pre-metastatic niche formation. Insights into the temporal mechanisms of pre-metastatic niche formation such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition, immunosuppression, extracellular matrix remodeling, metabolic reprogramming, vascular permeability and angiogenesis are provided. Furthermore, the landscape of pre-metastatic niche in different metastatic organs like lymph nodes, lungs, liver, brain, and bones is elucidated. Therapeutic approaches targeting the cellular and molecular components of pre-metastatic niche, as well as interventions targeting signaling pathways such as the TGF-β, VEGF, and MET pathways, are highlighted. This review aims to enhance our understanding of pre-metastatic niche dynamics and provide insights for developing effective therapeutic strategies to combat tumor metastasis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Neoplasms* / blood supply
  • Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Neoplasms* / metabolism
  • Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic
  • Signal Transduction
  • Tumor Escape
  • Tumor Microenvironment