Review old bone, new tricks

Abstract

Despite the significant progress made over the past decade with combination of molecular profiling data and the development of new clinical strategies, our understanding of metastasis remains elusive. Bone metastasis is a complex process and a major cause of mortality in breast and prostate cancer patients, for which there is no effective treatment to-date. The current review summarizes the routes taken by the metastatic cells and the interactions between them and the bone microenvironment. We emphasize the role of the specified niches and cues that promote cellular adhesion, colonization, prolonged dormancy, and reactivation. Understanding these mechanisms will provide better insights for future studies and treatment strategies for bone metastatic conditions.

Keywords: Bone metastasis; Breast cancer; Dormancy; Endosteal niche; Perivascular niche; Reactivation.