Tumors become metastatic when they leave their primary site of development and travel throughout the bloodstream to start new growths over the body. This can lead to complications in treatment as it is challenging to eradicate the tumor completely if it is mobile. Metastatic ancer cells also have the ability to modify their genomic expression patterns. This allows them to behave like stem cells, remain quiescent, and express a broader range of genes to further their survival. They are also then able to differentiate into a different cell type at any moment. This lack of consistency in cell identity renders metastatic cancer difficult to fully treat. Metastatic cancer cells can also create an environment known as the premetastatic niche, an environment where the cancer can modify to its advantage and eventually spread to. These cancer cells additionally have the ability to induce angiogenesis in other cells in order to maximize nutrient flow to their population and increase their survivability.
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