The contribution of OPN to the migratory properties of the cancer cells was validated through in vivo studies by quantifying and comparing levels of OPN and CD44 expression in parental MDA-MB-231 cells orthotopically implanted in the mouse, MDA-MB-231 cells that have escaped from the primary tumor into the blood circulation, and MDA-MB-231 cells that have successfully metastasized to the lungs. Here, SPP1 is linked to cancer.