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The development and function of the skeleton and bone metastases
Article first published online: 23 JAN 2003
DOI: 10.1002/cncr.11147
Copyright © 2003 American Cancer Society
Issue
1097-0142/asset/cover.gif?v=1&s=a7299bc18f075294c232ade468773cd0672bd470 "Cancer")
Cancer
Supplement: Skeletal Complications of Malignancy
Volume 97, Issue Supplement 3, pages 726–732, 1 February 2003
Additional Information
How to Cite
Rodan, G. A. (2003), The development and function of the skeleton and bone metastases. Cancer, 97: 726–732. doi: 10.1002/cncr.11147
Publication History
- Issue published online: 23 JAN 2003
- Article first published online: 23 JAN 2003
- Manuscript Accepted: 1 NOV 2002
- Manuscript Received: 26 AUG 2002
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- bone remodeling;
- calcium homeostasis;
- mechanical support;
- osteoblasts;
- osteoclasts
Abstract
Bone is a frequent site of metastases of the most common tumors, e.g., breast carcinoma and prostate carcinoma. The functions of the skeleton, calcium homeostasis and mechanical support, are carried out by the continuous destruction and rebuilding of small packets of this tissue called bone remodeling. Multinucleated, hemopoietically derived osteoclasts, which are related to macrophages, digest the bone, and mesenchymal-derived osteoblasts rebuild it. This process is kept in balance by finely regulated processes whereby osteoblast lineage cells respond to homeostatic signals and release factors that regulate osteoclast generation and activity. Cells that participate in inflammation and immunity also can stimulate osteoclast formation and lead to bone destruction. Tumor cells most likely subvert these physiologic processes to lodge in bone and cause metastases. Cancer 2003;97(3 Suppl):726–32. © 2003 American Cancer Society.
DOI 10.1002/cncr.11147