Cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions during melanoma cell invasion and metastasis.

Although great advances have been made in recent years in understanding the interactions between tumour cells and their environment, we still do not fully understand the complex mechanisms involved in the steps by which in situ malignancy becomes invasive and then metastatic. To complete the various steps of the pathway to metastatic malignancy, melanoma cells have acquired the ability to grow in the absence of certain growth factors while producing autocrine factors. They are also able to modulate the extracellular matrix and express an array of adhesion molecules enabling them to interact with various cell types and extracellular matrix molecules during the establishment of secondary tumours.