The majority of colorectal cancer (CRC) research focuses on tumor initiation and progression, with relatively little work being done in the field of processes that lead to metastasis and the role of the organ microenvironment on enhancing metastatic tumor growth. This session will address biologic processes that are specific for CRC metastasis, including molecular mediators that serve as barriers to effective therapy.
New Concepts in Organ Site Research: Molecular and Cellular Determinants of Colorectal Cancer Metastasis

Contribution of CXCR4+ hemangiogenic cells to metastatic switch in colon adenocarcinomas; Shahin Rafii. Cornell University Medical College, New York, NY

The PI3K pathway and It's role in CRC metastasis; Michael G. Brattain. Roswell Park Cancer Inst., Buffalo, NY

Chemoresistance and the cancer stem cell phenotype; Lee M. Ellis. UT M.D. Anderson Cancer Ctr., Houston, TX

Identification of protein pathway biomarkers for colorectal metastasis: Theranostics and prognosis; Emanuel F. Petricoin III. George Mason Univ., Manassas, VA,