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Review
. 2023 May 1:13:1117867.
doi: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1117867. eCollection 2023.

Molecular mechanisms of osteosarcoma metastasis and possible treatment opportunities

Xinhui Du  1   2   3 , Hua Wei  4 , Boya Zhang  1   2   3 , Bangmin Wang  1   2   3 , Zhehuang Li  1   2   3 , Lon Kai Pang  5 , Ruiying Zhao  6 , Weitao Yao  1   2   3
Affiliations
Review

Molecular mechanisms of osteosarcoma metastasis and possible treatment opportunities

Xinhui Du et al. Front Oncol. .

Abstract

In osteosarcoma patients, metastasis of the primary cancer is the leading cause of death. At present, management options to prevent metastasis are limited and non-curative. In this study, we review the current state of knowledge on the molecular mechanisms of metastasis and discuss promising new therapies to combat osteosarcoma metastasis. Genomic and epigenomic changes, metabolic reprogramming, transcription factors, dysregulation of physiologic pathways, and alterations to the tumor microenvironment are some of the changes reportedly involved in the regulation of osteosarcoma metastasis. Key factors within the tumor microenvironment include infiltrating lymphocytes, macrophages, cancer-associated fibroblasts, platelets, and extracellular components such as vesicles, proteins, and other secreted molecules. We conclude by discussing potential osteosarcoma-limiting agents and their clinical studies.

Keywords: mechanism; metastasis; osteosarcoma; reprogramming; tumor microenvironment.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Changes to the tumor cell and tumor microenvironment that facilitate osteosarcoma metastasis.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Signaling pathways that contribute to osteosarcoma metastasis when dysregulated.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Novel therapies that have demonstrated anti-metastatic effects in osteosarcoma in preclinical studies.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Features of, treatment challenges in, and potential solutions for osteosarcoma.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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