Sarah Visentin, Mirela Sedić, Sandra Kraljević Pavelić and Krešimir Pavelić* Pages 1367 - 1381 ( 15 )
The metastatic process has still not been completely elucidated, probably due to insufficient knowledge of the underlying mechanisms. Here, we provide an overview of the current findings that shed light on specific molecular alterations associated with metastasis and present novel concepts in the treatment of the metastatic process. In particular, we discuss novel pharmacological approaches in the clinical setting that target metastatic progression. New insights into the process of metastasis allow optimisation and design of new treatment strategies, especially in view of the fact that metastatic cells share common features with stem cells. Nano- and micro-technologies are herein elaborated in details as a promising therapeutic concept in targeted drug delivery for metastatic cancer. Progression in the field could provide a more efficient way to tackle metastasis and thus bring about advancements in the treatment and management of patients with advanced cancer.
Metastasis, cancer stem cells, stem cell marker, nanomedicine, cancer therapy, nanotechnology.
Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, Centre for High-Throughput Technologies, Radmile Matejcic 2, 51 000 Rijeka, Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, Centre for High-Throughput Technologies, Radmile Matejcic 2, 51 000 Rijeka, Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, Centre for High-Throughput Technologies, Radmile Matejcic 2, 51 000 Rijeka, Faculty of Medicine, Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, Zagrebacka 30, 52 100 Pula