Or is metastasis defined only as the rising of new tumour site for the migrated breast cancer cells?
Intriguing question. In the context of a tumor, epithelial cancer cells in the tumor are known to secret a number of growth-promoting factors, chemokines, and certain cytokines. Further, these cells also release "exosomes" that contain, among other molecules, microRNAs. These secreted molecules and microRNAs can alter cell proliferation and survival of "normal" cells. Considering these observations, the tumor cells have potential to promote transformation of "normal" cells in due course. Further, in the context of metastasis your statement is correct that tumor cells upon migration to other sites give rise to new (or secondary) tumors.
Intriguing question. In the context of a tumor, epithelial cancer cells in the tumor are known to secret a number of growth-promoting factors, chemokines, and certain cytokines. Further, these cells also release "exosomes" that contain, among other molecules, microRNAs. These secreted molecules and microRNAs can alter cell proliferation and survival of "normal" cells. Considering these observations, the tumor cells have potential to promote transformation of "normal" cells in due course. Further, in the context of metastasis your statement is correct that tumor cells upon migration to other sites give rise to new (or secondary) tumors.
Thank you so much Dr. Choosey for your informative response.
From what I understand, there IS a high possibility to observe (for example) a bone cancer where we have bone metastasis as well. Am I right? Is this really happening? Does having bone metastasis effect the chance of getting bone cancer?
And by all the factors you named (growth factors, chemokines, etc.), it seems quite impossible to induce or transform normal cells in vitro.
In the event of metastases forming a secondary tumour it would be made up from cells from the primary tumour. That is to say if a tumour in the breast metastasised to the lung the tumour in the lung would contain cells from the breast.
You should have a look on the articles here attached by M. Lisanti and his group about how cancer cells are "using" normal cells for their growth (the attached articles are entitled "cell fueling ...").
In the same domain, you should have a look on the attached articles entitled "canibalism).
You should also read about the "tumor microenvironment".
For the metastatic process you are specifically refering about, you should have a look on the attached articles entitled "seed and soil".
Hoping it would be of help
Best regards
Robert
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