Surface properties of the metastatic cell.

The possible importance of the cell surface in determining the particular properties of the metastatic cell has been the basis for a number of different types of surface investigation in recent years. The results from these studies are currently reviewed in order to assess whether characteristic changes have been found that can be related to the behaviour pattern of metastatic cells. It is concluded that no evidence yet exists to suggest that metastatic transformation is accompanied by the appearance of any common specific surface feature. Certain reported specific changes are probably system related rather than metastasis related. Nevertheless, the metastatic cell surface does appear to show some non-specific changes that may subsequently prove to be important in aiding the metastatic cell to fulfil its biological role.