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World J Clin Oncol. May 10, 2014; 5(2): 149-155
Published online May 10, 2014. doi: 10.5306/wjco.v5.i2.149
Bone metastases: When and how lung cancer interacts with bone
Ilaria Roato
Ilaria Roato, CeRMS, AO Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Department of Medical Science, University of Turin, 10126 Torino, Italy
Author contributions: Roato I contributed to the conception, literature analysis, drafting and revising of this review.
Supported by Italian Ministry of Health: Ricerca Sanitaria Finalizzata e Giovani Ricercatori 2009, No. GR 2009-1584485
Correspondence to: Ilaria Roato, PhD, CeRMS, AO Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Department of Medical Science, University of Turin, Via Santena 5, 10126 Torino, Italy. roato78@libero.it
Telephone: +39-11-6334672 Fax: +39-11-6334672
Received: December 27, 2013
Revised: February 21, 2014
Accepted: March 17, 2014
Published online: May 10, 2014
Processing time: 135 Days and 23.2 Hours
Abstract

Bone metastasis is a common and debilitating consequence of lung cancer: 30%-40% of patients with non-small cell lung cancer develop bone metastases during the course of their disease. Lung cancer cells find a favorable soil in the bone microenvironment due to factors released by the bone matrix, the immune system cells, and the same cancer cells. Many aspects of the cross-talk among lung tumor cells, the immune system, and bone cells are not clear, but this review aims to summarize the recent findings in this field, with particular attention to studies conducted to identify biomarkers for early detection of lung cancer bone metastases.

Keywords: Lung cancer; Bone metastases; Osteoclast; T cell; Bone microenvironment

Core tip: This review reports current knowledge on the cross-talk among lung tumor cells, the bone microenvironment, and the immune system, that lead to bone metastasis.