Direct effects of bisphosphonates on breast cancer cells.
In addition to inhibiting bone resorption, bisphosphonates have also been shown to exhibit antitumour effects. In vitro, bisphosphonates inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis in cultured human breast cancer cells. In addition, bisphosphonate treatment interferes with breast cancer cell adhesion to bone matrix, and inhibits cell migration and invasion. The combination of bisphosphonates with other anticancer drugs such as the taxoids markedly enhances these effects. These newly recognized direct actions of bisphosphonates on breast cancer cells indicate that these agents may have a greater role to play in treatment of patients suffering from cancers with a propensity to metastasize to bone.
Senaratne
Siddhika G
SG
Department of Oncology, Gastroenterology, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, St George's Hospital Medical School, Cranmer Terrace, London, UK.
Colston
Kay W
KW
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002448:Cell Adhesion / Q000187:drug effects; D004164:Diphosphonates / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured / Q000187:drug effects
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D004164:Diphosphonates