The increased adhesion of tumor cells to endothelial cells after irradiation can be reduced by FAK-inhibition

Background Radiotherapy is administered in more than 60% of all solid tumors. Most patients are cured but a significant number develops local recurrences or distant metastases. The question arises if irradiation might influence the metastatic process. In the present study we examined whether the adhesion of glioblastoma or breast cancer cells to endothelial cells, an important step in metastasis, is affected by photon irradiation.