Abstract:  With the development of imaging technique and molecular biological technique, researchers all over the world have made a great many of studies on the mechanism and treatment of lymphatic metastasis. The discovery of lymphatic endothelial cell-specific markers make it clear to distinguish lymphatic endotheliocyte. The application of new techniques such as immunohistochemical method and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) can study the lymphatic metastasis from the genetic and molecular level.  The application of molecular imaging and nanoparticles could provide new detection methods and therapies. The establishment of animal models offers a solid foundation for experimental study.

Key words: Stomach neoplasms, Lymphatic metastasis, Biological markers, Investigative techniques, Models, Animal