Radiation-induced modifications of the tumor microenvironment promote metastasis

Radiotherapy is successfully used to treat cancer. Emerging evidence, however, indicates that recurrences after radiotherapy are associated with increased local invasion, metastatic spreading and poor prognosis. Radiation-induced modifications of the tumor microenvironment have been proposed to contribute to increased aggressive tumor behavior, an effect also referred to as tumor bed effect, but the putative mechanisms involved have remained largely elusive. We have recently demonstrated that irradiation of the prospective tumor stroma impairs de novo angiogenesis through sustained inhibition of proliferation, migration and sprouting of endothelial cells. Experimental tumors growing within a pre-irradiated field have reduced tumor angiogenesis and tumor growth, increased hypoxia, necrosis, local invasion and distant metastasis. Mechanisms of progression involve adaptation of tumor cells to local hypoxic conditions as well as selection of cells with invasive and metastatic capacities. The matricellular protein CYR61 and integrin alpha V beta 5 emerged as molecules that cooperate to mediate lung metastasis. Cilengitide, a small molecular inhibitor of alpha V integrins prevented lung metastasis formation. These results represent a conceptual advance to the understanding of the tumor bed effect and indicate that alpha V integrin inhibition might be a potential therapeutic approach for preventing metastasis in patients at risk for post-radiation recurrences.