Molecular mechanisms of chondrosarcoma metastasis

Chondrosarcoma is highly malignant, with a strong capacity for local invasion as well as distant metastasis. Surgical resection remains the primary mode of therapy. This cancer shows a predilection for metastasis to the lungs. This article will highlight numerous molecular mechanisms mediating cell motility, as described in such cases. Numerous experiments have demonstrated that upregulation of integrin and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression lead to increased tumor cell migration and invasion. Data from these experiments suggest that targeting these pathways and molecules may enhance control of chondrosarcoma and decrease metastasis ratio.