metastatic

American  

[met-uh-stat-ik] / ˌmɛt əˈstæt ɪk /

adjective

1. Pathology. of, relating to, or resulting from metastasis, the transference of disease-producing organisms or malignant or cancerous cells to other parts of the body by way of the blood or lymphatic vessels or membranous surfaces.

   These blood vessels supply the tumor with nutrients and facilitate its metastatic spread.

---

Other Word Forms

• metastatically adverb

Etymology

Origin of metastatic

First recorded in 1760–70; metasta(sis) ( def. ) + -tic ( def. )

Example Sentences

The analysis showed that women who lived in the same census tract as at least one Superfund site were about 30% more likely to be diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer.

From Science Daily

After more than eight years of treatment for metastatic breast cancer, Claire has run out of options.

From The Wall Street Journal

Researchers are specifically interested to see how the treatment works in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, an advanced form of cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.

From Barron's

A few months ago, Martinez was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic cancer — a byproduct of a five-year fight with uveal melanoma.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr. Adams, 68, disclosed this spring that he has metastatic prostate cancer.

From The Wall Street Journal