homing phenomenon

The "homing phenomenon" in cancer pathology refers to the tendency of cancer cells to preferentially spread to specific organs, even when not directly downstream in the circulatory system. While cancer cells can detach, invade tissues, and enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system to travel throughout the body, not all cells survive this journey or establish new tumors.12

The circulatory system's architecture explains some patterns of metastasis, like the lungs being a common site. However, the homing phenomenon suggests cancer cells may recognize specific "exit sites" from circulation or find certain tissues more favorable for growth. This could be due to affinities between receptors on cancer cells and molecules in the extracellular matrix of target tissues, such as prostate and breast cancers often spreading to bone, or lung cancer to adrenal glands. Research is ongoing to understand the genetic and molecular mechanisms behind this phenomenon to develop new therapies.12