Understanding pre-metastatic niche formation: implications for colorectal cancer liver metastasis

Abstract

The liver is the most commonly metastasized organ in colorectal cancer (CRC), and distant metastasis is the primary cause of mortality from CRC. In recent years, researchers have discovered that tumor cells create a “pre-metastatic niche (PMN)” favorable to metastasis before reaching the metastatic location. This review discusses the many processes and mechanisms that lead to PMN formation in CRC, including gut microbiota, stem cell stimulation, immunocyte interactions, and the induction of extracellular vesicles that carry important information. It examines research methods and diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for treating metastatic CRC with PMN. The crucial significance of PMN formation in metastatic CRC is also highlighted.