Tumor invasion and oxidative stress: biomarkers and therapeutic strategies

Tumor invasion is paradigmatic of the complex interactions connecting a carcinoma with its environment, and a reflex of the cellular and molecular heterogeneity that defines the initiation of dissemination and metastasis. The hostile situation generated by a growing carcinoma and a reactive stroma is at the basis of the promotion of carcinoma invasion and metastasis, with oxidative stress emerging as a main player in the acquisition of an aggressive tumor phenotype. In this review, we present this complex scenario with a focus on the contribution of the reactive environment and the oxidative stress to the cellular and molecular events associated with carcinoma invasion and metastasis. We also discuss the potential of oxidative stress as a source of biomarkers of advance disease, and as supplier of a therapeutic armamentarium against the initial steps of metastatic dissemination.