The lymphatic system plays a key role in the drainage of fluids and proteins from tissues and
in the trafficking of immune cells throughout the body. Comprised of a network of capillaries,
collecting vessels, and lymph nodes, the lymphatic system plays a role in the metastasis of
tumor cells to distant parts of the body. Tumors induce lymphangiogenesis, the growth of
new lymphatic vessels, in the peritumoral space and also within tumors and lymph nodes.
Tumor lymphangiogenesis has been shown to play a role in promoting tumor metastasis. As …