The dynamic microenvironment associated with metastatic bone disease: Current concepts

Abstract

Patients with bone metastases may experience debilitating pain, neurological conditions, increased risk of pathological fractures, and death. A deeper understanding of the bone microenvironment, the molecular biology of cancer types prone to metastasis, and how bone physiology promotes cancer growth, may help to uncover targeted treatment options. The purpose of this paper is to outline the current concepts relevant to topics including bone remodeling, angiogenesis, and immunomodulation as it relates to metastatic bone disease.