Apoptosis and metastases – what happens in cancer cells?

Apoptosis – programmed cell death

Apoptosis refers to natural, controlled cell death. Healthy cells have built-in mechanisms that specifically break down damaged or dysfunctional cells. This process is essential for maintaining the balance between cell regeneration and cell death in the body.

In cancer cells, this mechanism is often disrupted or blocked. Tumor cells evade apoptosis, continue to divide uncontrollably, and survive even when they should actually be eliminated. This ability is a key characteristic of cancer.

Apoptosis and metastases – what happens in cancer cells_ IMMUMEDIC LLC

Metastases – Spread of tumor cells

Metastases occur when cancer cells detach from the original tumor, spread through the blood or lymphatic system, and settle in other organs. There, they can form new tumor sites, often independently of the original tumor.

Metastasis is a complex process that includes, among other things:

Loss of cell adhesion in the primary tumor
Penetration into blood or lymph vessels
Survival in the bloodstream
Settlement and growth in distant organs

Metastatic tumor cells in particular often have mechanisms to evade apoptosis and escape immune surveillance.

Therapeutic approaches: promoting apoptosis and controlling metastasis

Modern cancer therapies increasingly aim to influence several biological mechanisms simultaneously. The focus is on the following strategies, among others:

Reactivation of apoptotic signaling pathways to make cancer cells susceptible to programmed cell death again
Inhibition of growth and survival signals in tumor cells
Supporting the immune system so that degenerated cells can be better recognized and eliminated
Reducing the ability to metastasize, e.g., by influencing the tumor microenvironment

Combination therapies – an integrative approach

Since cancer is a complex process, combination therapies are becoming increasingly important. The aim is to combine different mechanisms of action in a meaningful way and tailor them to the individual patient.

Possible combinable therapeutic approaches include:

Classic oncological therapies (e.g., chemotherapy, hormone therapy, radiation)
Immunological procedures, such as dendritic cell therapy for targeted activation of the immune response
Accompanying immune-building and supportive measures that stabilize the immune system
Metabolic and cell biological approaches that target the growth and survival mechanisms of tumor cells
The combination is not based on a fixed scheme, but is oriented toward:
Tumor type and stage
The presence of metastases
The patient's immune status
Previous therapies and tolerability

The goal of modern therapy concepts

The overarching goal of integrative combination therapies is to

make cancer cells vulnerable again,
support the body's own immune defenses,
and limit the spread of tumor cells as much as possible.

The focus is not only on tumor control, but also on the quality of life and individual situation of those affected.

Important note

The approaches mentioned do not constitute a promise of cure and do not replace guideline-based oncological treatment. Whether and which combination therapies are appropriate must always be assessed individually and by a physician.