Metastasis and Disease Progression in Breast and Cervical Cancer

Metastasis and disease progression remain the leading causes of mortality in both breast and cervical cancer. These processes involve a series of coordinated cellular and molecular events that allow cancer cells to escape the primary tumor, survive in circulation, and establish secondary tumors in distant organs. Understanding the biological mechanisms that drive metastasis is essential for improving early detection, developing effective therapies, and reducing cancer related deaths.In breast cancer, metastatic progression is strongly influenced by tumor heterogeneity and interactions with the surrounding microenvironment. Cancer cells acquire invasive properties through changes in cell adhesion, cytoskeletal organization, and signaling pathways that regulate motility and survival. Epithelial to mesenchymal transition plays a key role by enabling tumor cells to detach from the primary site and invade surrounding tissues. Once disseminated, breast cancer cells interact with immune cells, stromal components, and vascular networks that support metastatic colonization, particularly in bone, lung, liver, and brain.Cervical cancer progression follows distinct but overlapping mechanisms. Persistent infection with high risk human papillomavirus leads to genomic instability and dysregulation of cell cycle control. As the disease advances, tumor cells invade local tissues and gain access to lymphatic and blood vessels. The tumor microenvironment in cervical cancer is shaped by chronic inflammation, immune suppression, and angiogenesis, which collectively promote tumor growth and metastatic spread. Lymph node involvement remains a critical indicator of disease progression and patient prognosis.Emerging evidence suggests a subtle biological link between breast and cervical cancer progression. Some studies indicate that women with a history of HPV related cervical precancerous lesions may have a slightly increased risk of developing breast cancer later in life. This association is not fully understood but may involve shared mechanisms such as immune modulation, chronic inflammation, hormonal regulation, and alterations in cell cycle signaling pathways. These observations highlight the importance of investigating common molecular and microenvironmental factors that may influence disease susceptibility and progression across cancer types.Crosstalk between tumor cells and their microenvironment enhances survival under stress conditions and limits treatment effectiveness. Epigenetic alterations and metabolic reprogramming further support metastatic competence and tumor adaptability.Therefore, this Research Topic aims to bring together studies that investigate the cellular, molecular, and clinical aspects of metastasis and disease progression in breast and cervical cancer.Key research areas of interest include but not limited to:• Cellular mechanisms driving invasion, migration, and metastatic dissemination• Tumor microenvironment contributions to disease progression and therapy resistance• Role of immune modulation and inflammation in metastatic progression• Signaling pathways regulating cell survival, plasticity, and metastasis• Epigenetic and metabolic factors supporting tumor progression• Biomarkers for early detection of metastatic disease and recurrence• Shared biological mechanisms linking breast and cervical cancer progression Topic editors: Anouchka Coste, Athina Myrto Chioni Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/77375/metastasis-and-disease-progression-in-breast-and-cervical-cancer