Understanding metastasis: current paradigms and therapeutic challenges in breast cancer progression

Metastasis is the terminal event in carcinogenesis and the principal contributor to mortality in breast cancer patients. However, relatively little is known about the molecular mechanisms of this complex, multi-step process. Consequently, management of metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is far less successful than the treatment of primary disease. Research in the field is very active, resulting in the development of numerous models of metastasis and the identification of key factors implicated in the process. Thus it is hoped that with continued research into the mechanisms driving cancer progression and metastasis, insights will be gained that will facilitate earlier diagnosis and improved treatment of MBC.