Lung Cancer Metastasis

Lung cancer is one of leading cancer-related causes of mortality worldwide. The propensity for metastasis in this disease undoubtedly contributes to the low survival rate and final poor outcome of patients. Lung cancer metastasis involves specific molecular pathways that confer the cancer cells abilities to survive in circulation, be motile, and form new tumors. Recent evidences have widened the understanding of cancer disseminating basis and emphasized the role of genetic and epigenetic imperfections, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, and cancer stem cells. The present chapter aims to illustrate metastatic processes of lung cancer, shedding more light on such key molecular paradigms. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms of lung cancer metastasis may lead to novel strategies in cancer preventive and therapeutic approaches.