AACR Centennial Series: The Biology of Cancer Metastasis: Historical Perspective

Metastasis resistant to therapy is the major cause of death from cancer. Despite almost 200 years of study, the process of tumor metastasis remains controversial. Stephen Paget initially identified the role of host-tumor interactions on the basis of a review of autopsy records. His "seed and soil" hypothesis was substantiated a century later with experimental studies, and numerous reports have confirmed these seminal observations. An improved understanding of the metastatic process and the attributes of the cells selected by this process is critical for the treatment of patients with systemic disease. In many patients, metastasis has occurred by the time of diagnosis, so metastasis prevention may not be…

• NI
  National Institutes of Health

  Awards: CA16672, 1U54CA143837, CA036727
• NC
  National Cancer Institute

  Awards: CA16672, CA036727