Adhesion, metastasis, and inhibition of cancer cells: a comprehensive review

Sep 21, 2026

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This comprehensive review examines cancer’s complexity through three interconnected themes: adhesion, metastasis, and inhibition. It details how cancer cell migration, invasion, and colonization of distant organs depend on cell adhesion and the multi-step nature of metastatic progression. The review synthesizes inhibition strategies aimed at adhesion molecules, including integrins and cadherins. It further discusses therapeutic approaches using integrin-blocking antibodies, FAK and TGF-β pathway small-molecule inhibitors, and combination regimens to interfere with focal adhesions and epithelial-mesenchymal transition processes. Key targets such as FAK, Src, β-catenin, and SMAD4 are highlighted.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages12

Reading Time30 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Introduction

Materials and methods

Molecular Biology Reports (2024) 51:165 [https://doi.org/10.1007/s1](https://doi.org/10.1007/s1) 1033-023-08920-5 REVIEW Adhesion, metastasis, and inhibition of cancer cells: a comprehensive review Josef Yayan1 · Karl-Josef Franke2 · Melanie Berger3 · Wolfram Windisch3 · Kurt Rasche1 Received: 25 August 2023 / Accepted: 23 October 2023 / Published online: 22 January 2024 © The Author(s) 2024 Abstract This comprehensive review delves into cancer’s complexity, focusing on adhesion, metastasis, and inhibition. It explores the pivotal role of these factors in disease progression and therapeutic strategies. This review covers cancer cell migration, invasion, and colonization of distant organs, emphasizing the significance of cell adhesion and the intricate metastasis process. Inhibition approaches targeting adhesion molecules, such as integrins and cadherins, are discussed. Overall, this review contributes significantly to advancing cancer research and developing targeted therapies, holding promise for improving patient outcomes worldwide. Exploring different inhibition strategies revealed promising therapeutic targets to alleviate adhesion and metastasis of cancer cells. The effectiveness of integrin-blocking antibodies, small molecule inhibitors targeting Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and the Transforming Growth Factor β (TGF-β) pathway, and combination therapies underscores their potential to disrupt focal adhesions and control epithelial-mesenchymal transition processes. The identification of as FAK, Src, β-catenin and SMAD4 offers valuable starting points for further research and the development of targeted therapies. The complex interrelationships between adhesion and metastatic signaling networks will be relevant to the development of new treatment approaches. Keywords Cancer · Adhesion · Metastasis · Inhibition · Therapeutic approaches · Targeted therapies Introduction Cancer remains a major medical challenge to global health [1] . The serious consequences of cancer affect millions of people worldwide [1] . Cancer is subject to a comprehensive complexity of biological processes [2] . Research in this field is crucial to finding better treatment options and deepening the understanding of cancer [2] . The process of 􀀍 Josef Yayan [josef.yayan@hotmail.com](josef.yayan@hotmail.com) 1 Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Sleep Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, HELIOS Clinic Wuppertal, Heusnerstr. 40, 42283 Wuppertal, Germany 2 Department of Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Division, Internal Intensive Care Medicine, Infectiology, and Sleep Medicine, Märkische Clinics Health Holding Ltd, Clinic Lüdenscheid, Witten/Herdecke University, Lüdenscheid, Germany 3 Department of Pneumology, Cologne Merheim Hospital, Witten/Herdecke University, Cologne, Germany cancer formation involves a comprehensive complexity of biological processes [2] . This requires a comprehensive understanding of the cellular mechanisms underlying tumor [2] . Cell adhesion and metastasis are crucial players among the fundamental mechanisms influencing cancer development [3] . Over time, extensive research has unraveled the significance of these interconnected phenomena in shaping cancer pathogenesis and has shed light on potential avenues for targeted therapeutic interventions [4] . Cell adhesion plays a crucial role as a fundamental biological process in normal tissue development, and wound healing [5] . However, in the context of cancer, alterations in adhesion mechanisms enable tumor cells to evade normal cellular constraints and foster their invasive potential [3] . The main adhesion molecules are integrins, cadherins, and selectins [6] . These adhesion molecules enable cancer cells to bind more effectively to the extracellular matrix (ECM) [6] . The dynamic interplay between cancer cells and the ECM not only facilitates tumor growth and local invasion [7] . But it also primes cancer cells for the

FAQs

What are the main topics covered in this review?

The review focuses on cancer cell adhesion, metastasis, and strategies to inhibit these processes, including related signaling and therapeutic approaches.

Which inhibition targets and approaches are discussed?

It discusses inhibition of adhesion molecules such as integrins and cadherins, integrin-blocking antibodies, small-molecule inhibitors targeting FAK and the TGF-β pathway, and combination therapies.

What steps make up the metastatic process described here?

The metastatic process includes local invasion, intravasation into blood or lymphatic vessels, survival during circulation, extravasation into distant tissues, and colonization at secondary sites.

Sep 21, 2026

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