Ex-vivo analysis of the bone microenvironment in bone metastatic breast cancer.
In humans, breast cancer has a predilection to metastasize to the skeleton. While the mechanism for preferential metastasis is unknown, the bone microenvironment likely provides a fertile soil for metastatic breast cancer cells. In order to examine the bone microenvironment ex-vivo following the formation of breast cancer metastases, several techniques may be employed: fluorescence stereomicroscopy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), microCT (microCT), immunohistochemistry, and cytokine arrays, to name a few. These methods allow for a comprehensive evaluation of the bone microenvironment during bone metastatic breast cancer. By identifying alterations in the bone niche caused by metastatic breast cancer cells, it may be possible to block or disrupt these factors through the use of targeted drugs. Appropriate therapeutic treatment would allow for an improved quality of life and longer survival time for individuals with bone metastatic breast cancer.
Bussard
Karen M
KM
Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
Mastro
Andrea M
AM
D000818:Animals; D015519:Bone Density; D001859:Bone Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism / Q000556:secondary*; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry / Q000379:methods*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D051379:Mice; D009368:Neoplasm Transplantation / Q000379:methods*
D016207:Cytokines