Journal of International Oncology ›› 2025, Vol. 52 ›› Issue (6): 388-391.doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn371439-20250225-00066

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Related molecular mechanisms of liver metastasis from colorectal cancer

Wang Yong1, Wu Xinlin2()   

  1. 1Affiliated First Clinical College of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010050, China
    2Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010050, China
  • Received:2025-02-25 Revised:2025-03-19 Online:2025-06-08 Published:2025-06-26
  • Contact: Wu Xinlin E-mail:wuxinlin@126.com
  • Supported by:
    Natural Science Foundation of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China(2022MS08006)

Abstract:

Liver metastasis from colorectal cancer is a complex biological process, involving the interaction of multiple mechanisms and cell types, including the self-renewal and dynamic acquisition of the traits of cancer stem cells. Characteristic metabolic changes occur in colorectal cancer cells to meet the energy demands during the metastasis process. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition promotes the migration of primary colorectal cancer cells into the circulatory system, where they become circulating tumor cells, and then extravasate into the portal venous system to complete the processes of seeding, proliferation, and the formation of metastatic foci. Resident cells and immune cells in the hepatic microenvironment coordinate the immune response, inducing the occurrence of metastatic liver tumors. Further research on the molecular mechanisms related to liver metastasis from colorectal cancer is expected to develop novel therapeutic drugs targeting these molecular mechanisms, so as to improve the prognosis outcomes of patients.

Key words: Colorectal neoplasms, Neoplasm metastasis, Molecular mechanism