The skeleton is remodeled continually through simultaneous resorption of bone and formation of new bone.
Significant effects on bone metabolism are produced due to cancer treatment especially of breast and prostate origin, even in the absence of bone metastases. These pathological changes are known as cancer treatment-induced bone loss. Bone mass loss and osteoporosis may cause an increased risk of fractures due to a reduction in bone volume and microarchitectural deterioration. On the other hand, the skeleton is both the most common organ affected by metastatic cancer and the site that produces the greatest morbidity for patients. Recent advances in our understanding of bone biology and the pathways by which cancer metastasizes and spread to bone have contributed to the development of several important new drugs targeting these processes. This article summarizes our current knowledge and recommendations to advance biology of metastasis, focusing in breast and prostate cancer.
Written by:
Legakis I, Syrigos K. Are you the author?
Assistant Director of Endocrinology and Metabolism Unit, Henry Dunant Hospital Athens, Greece.
Reference: Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets. 2012 Dec 13. Epub ahead of print.
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 23244490
