Stress-induced metastatic niches in breast cancer.

Interactions between disseminated cancer cells and the microenvironment in secondary organs are essential for the development of metastasis in most malignancies. Metastasis-initiating cells and their progeny can impose changes in the microenvironment leading to the formation of a metastatic niche that supports malignant growth at secondary sites. Our recent findings indicate that stress responses play a crucial role in generation of metastatic niches in breast cancer by modulating the extracellular matrix and promoting interactions with reactive fibroblasts.