The Metastatic Cascade: How Cancer Cells Navigate the Human Body

Science · Published 25 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Most cancer cells die before they can spread, but those that succeed undergo a complex journey known as metastasis. This process allows cancer to travel from its primary site to distant organs, transforming a localized issue into a systemic disease that accounts for over 90% of cancer-related mortality.

Metastasis is a multi-step journey often described as a 'cascade.' It begins when cancer cells invade nearby normal tissue and breach the walls of lymph nodes or blood vessels. From there, they enter the lymphatic system or bloodstream to travel to distant parts of the body. To successfully colonize a new site, these cells must stop in small blood vessels, invade the vessel walls, and move into the surrounding tissue to form new tumors. This growth eventually requires the creation of new blood vessels to provide a dedicated supply for the tumor.

A key mystery in oncology is 'organotropism'—why certain cancers prefer specific locations. Although the 'seed and soil' concept is common, scientists are currently examining the 'redox status' of the organ microenvironment alongside the 'metastatic profile' of cancer cells. Recent studies suggest that metabolic plasticity and oxidative stress may be the primary determinants of where cancer cells succeed. Curiously, metastatic cells might stay quiet and motionless within a remote location for numerous years prior to restarting their growth.

Diagnosis of metastatic cancer is based on the cells' origin rather than their current location. To illustrate, if breast cancer migrates into the lung, it remains categorised as metastatic breast cancer rather than lung cancer. In cases where the original site cannot be identified, it is termed 'cancer of unknown primary origin' (CUP). While most metastatic cancers are not curable, some types, such as melanoma and colon cancer, may have potentially curable metastases. Treatment aims to slow growth and manage symptoms, with five-year survival rates varying significantly by cancer type, such as 9% for metastatic lung cancer.

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