Bisphosphonates as cancer drugs

Abstract

Bone appears to act like fertilizer for many tumors, including myeloma and metastatic breast cancer. The explanation must lie in interactions between tumor cells and the bone-tissue microenvironment. At this level, too, must lie the explanation of how bisphosphonates address not only cancer osteolysis but also the tumor burden. By inhibiting osteoclasts, the drugs may block a cancer-related vicious cycle.