Steps in prostate cancer progression that lead to bone metastasis

Abstract

Prostate cancer is a complex disease in which metastasis to the bone is the main cause of death. Initial stages of metastasis are generally similar to those for most solid tumors; however, the mechanisms that underlie the homing of prostate tumor cells to the bone remain incompletely understood. Prostate cancer bone metastasis is also a microenvironment-driven disease, involving bi-directional interactions between the tumor and the bone microenvironment. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of the biologic processes and regulatory factors involved in the metastasis of prostate cancer cells, and their specific properties that promote growth in bone. Although many of these processes still need to be fully elucidated, a better understanding of the complex tumor/microenvironment interplay is slowly leading to more effective therapies for patients with prostate cancer bone metastases.

Hepatocyte growth factor increases the invasive potential of PC-3 human prostate cancer cells via an ERK/MAPK and Zeb-1 signaling pathway

“…Worldwide, prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most commonly diagnosed type of cancer and sixth leadinwg cause of cancer-associated mortality among males (1). Mortality associated with PCa results from distant metastasis, particularly to bone.…”

Comparative Secretome Profiling and Mutant Protein Identification in Metastatic Prostate Cancer Cells by Quantitative Mass Spectrometry-based Proteomics

“…In particular, most patients with prostate cancer progress to metastasis in different parts (2,3). The lack of biomarkers to replace PSA and dearth of understanding of the factors and mechanisms, involved in metastasis, pose the biggest challenges in this regard.…”

Is PSMA PET-CT Better than Bone Scan? When and Why

“…Radical prostatectomy or Radiotherapy, however many will develop metastatic disease. PCa has a unique exquisite tropism to spread in bone [3]. Haematogenous spread in red bone marrow of axial and proximal appendicular skeleton leads to development of bone metastases (BMs).…”