Activating Invasion And Metastasis W6

Question 1

How does Angiogenesis supports tumour growth and metastasis

Answer 1

• creates new vessels to feed the expanding tumor mass.
• Rapid tumor growth leads to hypoxic (low oxygen) regions
• Blood vessels formed via angiogenesis help drain waste and CO₂ from tumor cells. Without this clearance, toxic buildup could impair tumor viability.
• Newly formed, often leaky and irregular tumor vessels make it easier for cancer cells to enter the bloodstream

Question 2

Invasion and metastasis key steps

Answer 2

Mutations -> primary tumour -> vascularization -> detachment -> intravasion -> extravasion -> invasion -> secondary tumor -> vascularization

Question 3

Intravasion

Answer 3

Entering the bloodstream

Question 4

Extravasion

Answer 4

Exiting the bloodstream

Question 5

Proteolytic degradation

Answer 5

is the breakdown of proteins by enzymes called proteases

These enzymes cut proteins into smaller fragments by cleaving the peptide bonds between amino acids.

Question 6

how MMPs contribute to tumor cell invasion and metastasis

Answer 6

Tumor cells are connected by E-cadherin and form an epithelial layer

MMP breaks down E-cadherin, causing the cells to separate.

This leads to EMT – where tumor cells are released and free to migrate

Macrophages also contribute by degrading ECM

MMP also activate GF that p root tumour growth and invasion

Question 7

The invasive microenvirnment

Answer 7

local tissue environment that supports or facilitates the invasion of cancer cells