Abstract
Purpose: Researchers have been studying the mechanisms by which metastasis can be prevented via blocking the hematogenous and the lymphatic routes for a long time now. However, metastasis is still the single most challenging obstacle for successful cancer management. In a new twist that may require some retooling of this established approach, we investigated the hypothesis that tumor metastases can occur via an independent fluid-conducting system called the primo-vascular system. Procedures: The dissemination and growth of near-infrared quantum dot (NIR QD)-electroporated cancer cells in metastatic sites were investigated using in vivo multispectral imaging techniques. Results: Our results show that the NIR QD-labeled cancer cells were able to migrate through not only the blood vascular and lymphatic systems but also the primo-vascular system extending from around the tumor to inside the abdominal cavity. Furthermore, the NIR QD-labeled cancer cells, which had been seeded intraperitoneally, specifically infiltrated the primo-vascular system in the omentum and in the gonadal fat. Conclusions: These findings strongly suggest that the primo-vascular system may be an additional metastasis route, complementing the lymphatic and hematogenous routes, which facilitate the dissemination and colonization of cancer cells at secondary sites.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 471-480 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Molecular Imaging and Biology |
Volume | 13 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jun 2011 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Cancer metastasis
- Electroporation
- Multispectral imaging
- Near-infrared quantum dots
- Primo-vascular system
- Vasculogenic mimicry
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Oncology
- Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging
- Cancer Research