Abstract
Metastasis is a multistep process, which refers to the ability to leave a primary tumor through circulation toward the distant tissue and form a secondary tumor. Bone is a common site of metastasis, in which osteolytic and osteoblastic metastasis are observed. Signaling pathways, chemokines, growth factors, adhesion molecules, and cellular interactions as well as miRNAs have been known to play an important role in the development of bone metastasis. These factors provide an appropriate environment (soil) for growth and survival of metastatic tumor cells (seed) in bone marrow microenvironment. Recognition of these factors and determination of their individual roles in the development of metastasis and disruption of cellular interactions can provide important therapeutic targets for treatment of these patients, which can also be used as prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers. Thus, in this paper, we have attempted to highlight the molecular regulation of bone marrow metastasis in prostate and breast cancers.
Highlights
Metastasis refers to the ability to leave a primary tumor through circulation toward the distant tissue and form a secondary tumor
Tumor cells, including breast and prostate cancer (PCa) cells, invade bone through molecular mechanisms and interaction with Bone marrow (BM) cells. This interaction plays a crucial role in homing of tumor cells to the bone, tumor growth in bone, and increased expression of growth factors required for tumor survival
In addition to prostate and breast cancers, neuroblastoma (NB), which accounts for 10–15% of childhood malignancies, can metastasize to bone and cause osteolytic lesions [95, 96]
Summary
Metastasis refers to the ability to leave a primary tumor through circulation toward the distant tissue and form a secondary tumor. An environment rich in growth factors, cytokines, chemokines, and signaling molecules for survival and growth of tumor cells is provided by a metastatic niche. This is known as “Paget seed and soil” theory and states that tumor metastasis entails a series of interactions between the tumor cells and stromal cells [2, 3]. Excessive blood flow in red marrow, presence of adhesion molecules on tumor cells binding stromal BM cells, and production of angiogenic and boneresorbing factors enhancing tumor growth are among the factors causing bone metastasis [2].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
