Colorectal liver metastasis: molecular mechanism and interventional therapy

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most frequently occurring malignancy tumors with a high morbidity additionally, CRC patients may develop liver metastasis, which is the major cause of death. Despite significant advances in diagnostic and therapeutic techniques, the survival rate of colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) patients remains very low. CRLM, as a complex cascade reaction process involving multiple factors and procedures, has complex and diverse molecular mechanisms. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms/pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment of CRLM. We also focus on an overview of the recent advances in understanding the molecular basis of CRLM with a special emphasis on tumor microenvironment and promise of newer targeted therapies for CRLM, further improving the prognosis of CRLM patients.

Fig. 1

Schematic showing the liver metastasis cascade of CRC

Fig. 2

CRC-derived exosomes content and mechanisms for CRLM

Fig. 3

Schematic illustration the exosomal interaction between CRC cells and TAMs that reveals the molecular mechanism of CRLM

Fig. 4

HGF/c‐MET signaling pathways and its role in cellular activity

Fig. 5

The roles of PRL3 in cellular activity

Fig. 6

Schematic illustration of Notch pathway regulatory mechanisms

Fig. 7

Schematic illustration of TGF-β pathway regulatory mechanisms