Protective Effect of Diabetes Against Metastasis in Patients With Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer

Thetumorcellssecreteprotein-asesorinduceproteinasesecretionbystromalcellsthatlead to degradation of the architecture of vascular basalmembranes, creating local access through which to mi-grateintovasculature.Inpatientswithlong-standingdia-betesmellitus,diabeticmicroangiopathyrendersthevas-cularbasalmembranelessdigestiblebytumorcells,whichmay play a role in impeding neoplastic cell spread andmetastasis.