转移过程是一个极其复杂的逐步过程，其特征与人类或动物在地球上的迁徙模式有许多相似之处。对从一个位置扩散到另一个位置的循环肿瘤细胞（CTC）的持续研究揭示了影响其形成转移可能​​性的独特行为，包括生物、物理和机械特征。从这个角度来看，我将讨论其中的一些发现，并提供对转移过程的看法、开放性问题以及利用一些最新发现来开发抗转移药物的机会。本文受版权保护。版权所有。

The metastatic process is an extraordinarily complex step-by-step procedure, characterized by many analogies with migratory patterns of humans or animals across our planet. The ongoing interrogation of circulating tumor cells (CTCs), caught in the act of spreading from one location to another, is revealing distinct behaviors including biological, physical, and mechanical features that impact on their likelihood to form metastasis. In this viewpoint, I will discuss some of these findings and provide a perspective on the metastatic journey, open questions, as well as opportunities to exploit some of the most recent discoveries for the development of anti-metastasis medicines.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.