Metastasis is the most detrimental stage of cancer progression and the cause of 90% of cancer-associated mortality. Once cancer cells have spread from their primary site to other parts of the body, they may form new tumors called metastases. The process of metastasis is complex and involves multiple steps, including local invasion of cancer cells into surrounding tissue, entry into the blood or lymphatic vessels, transportation to distant organs, and colonization of new tissues.
The most common sites of metastasis depend on the type of cancer. For example, lung cancer commonly spreads to the brain and bones, while breast cancer can spread to the bones, liver, and lungs. Prostate cancer often metastasizes to the bones. Colorectal cancer can spread to the liver and lungs. However, any cancer can potentially metastasize to any part of the body.
Metastasis organotropism refers to the phenomenon that certain cancers prefer specific organs when forming metastases. In other words, cancer cells from different types of cancer tend to metastasize to different organs in the body. Understanding organotropism is important for developing effective treatments for metastatic cancer.
Tailored immunotherapies based on the metastatic site may have to be utilized, as different immune cell populations will contribute to metastatic colonization depending on the cancer type and the specific organ. Understanding how immune cells sustain metastasis could open new therapeutic options against metastatic cancer. Although immunotherapy is a major scientific breakthrough that improves the survival of some patients with advanced cancer, only a proportion of patients respond, and other immunotherapeutic approaches are still urgently needed to cure patients with metastatic cancer.
The Hagerling lab is investigating metastatic tumor cells and how immune cells in the microenvironment influence metastatic behavior. They hypothesize that the capabilities needed for metastatic tumor formation will differ depending on the site of metastasis and that metastatic site-directed therapies will be needed to cure patients with metastatic cancer in the future. The lab is interested in identifying novel therapeutic target molecules targeting metastases and prognostic biomarkers to predict outcome after being diagnosed with metastatic cancer.
Lund University, where the Hagerling research group is currently affiliated with the Department of Experimental Medical Science, is known for its high academic standards, innovative research, and international collaborations. With over 40,000 students and 7,500 employees, Lund University is one of the largest universities in Scandinavia. The university offers a wide range of programs and courses in various fields such as engineering, sciences, social sciences, humanities, law, and medicine. Lund University has partnerships with more than 600 universities and research institutions around the world, making it a truly global university.
