Objective:

To highlight recent advances in understanding the role of immune and stromal mediators in the formation of pre-metastatic and metastatic niches, with implications for therapeutic strategies.

Approach:

Key Findings:

• Primary tumors condition distant tissues through soluble factors and extracellular vesicles, influencing immune cell recruitment and ECM remodeling.
• Organ-specific differences in immune microenvironments affect metastatic outcomes, particularly in colorectal cancer.
• Platelets and their extracellular vesicles significantly promote metastasis and immune evasion.
• Nidogen-1 is crucial for maintaining basement membrane integrity, acting as a barrier to metastasis.
• CAF-derived periostin promotes immune evasion and enhances metastatic spread in gastric cancer.
• The CXCL12/CXCR4 axis is a key driver of organ-specific metastasis and immune suppression in colorectal cancer.

Interpretation:

The interactions between tumor cells, immune cells, and the stromal environment are critical in the development of metastatic niches, suggesting potential therapeutic targets.

Limitations:

• Standardized isolation methods for platelets and PEVs are still needed, which may hinder research progress.
• Translational studies to validate findings in clinical settings are required to ensure applicability.

Conclusion:

Understanding the mechanisms of immune and stromal interactions in metastasis may lead to improved therapeutic strategies, addressing current treatment challenges.

Attribution Notice

This content is an AI-generated, fully rewritten summary based on a published scholarly article. It does not reproduce the original text and is not a substitute for the original publication. Readers are encouraged to consult the source for full context, data, and methodology.