Cell fusion potentiates tumor heterogeneity through acquisition of macrophage behavior

Metastatic spread of disease accounts for the overwhelming majority of cancer-­related deaths, as current therapies are largely ineffective in treating this phase of cancer. This highlights our lack of understanding of disease progression surrounding metastatic spread of disease. This dissertation provides experimental evidence that cell fusion is a mechanism for acquisition of metastatic phenotypes, and also presents the identification of a novel prognostic circulating biomarker that may guide treatment regimens in patients.