Tumors prepare distant sites for metastatic growth.

The spread (metastasis) of cancer to distant locations is responsible for about 9 out of 10 cancer deaths.  It is very important that we understand how and why a cancer spreads to particular locations.  New research shows that tumors can prepare a site for metastasizing cells before the cells even leave the tumor.  By activating an enzyme in the lungs (focal adhesion kinase; FAK), the original (primary) tumor caused the alteration of blood vessels in parts of the lungs, making it easier for cancer cells to enter those locations and form secondary growths (metastases).