Copyright
©2014 Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.
World J Clin Oncol. Aug 10, 2014; 5(3): 335-347
Published online Aug 10, 2014. doi: 10.5306/wjco.v5.i3.335
Published online Aug 10, 2014. doi: 10.5306/wjco.v5.i3.335
Molecular pathogenesis of bone metastases in breast cancer: Proven and emerging therapeutic targets
Nadia Rucci, Patrizia Sanità, Simona Delle Monache, Edoardo Alesse, Adriano Angelucci, Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Coppito 67100, L’Aquila, Italy
Author contributions: All authors contributed to this paper.
Correspondence to: Adriano Angelucci, Professor, Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio, Coppito 67100, L’Aquila, Italy. adriano.angelucci@univaq.it
Telephone: +39-862-433550 Fax: +39-862-433523
Received: December 22, 2013
Revised: April 24, 2014
Accepted: May 28, 2014
Published online: August 10, 2014
Revised: April 24, 2014
Accepted: May 28, 2014
Published online: August 10, 2014
Core Tip
Core tip: Breast cancer cells preferentially colonize bone sites during their metastatic diffusion. Bone microenvironment and tumor cells operate a reciprocal selective pressure that results in the formation of osteolytic lesion and tumor progression. Targeting the molecular factors involved in this interaction has been demonstrated to be an effective strategy in preventing the clinical morbidity associated with bone metastases. In this review, we summarize physiopathologic aspects of bone metastases from breast cancer and discuss the most promising therapeutic targets for their future clinical management.