Molecular Mechanisms of Bone Metastases

Dear Colleagues,

Bone metastasis represents the leading cause of death for some cancers, such as breast, prostate, lung, kidney, and thyroid cancer. Multiple myeloma also prefers to grow and metastasize in the bone marrow. Therefore, bone metastases represent a critical issue in the field of oncology.

The bone-metastatic process is complex; it begins early with the preparation of a pre-metastatic niche by the primary tumor to create a microenvironment which is useful for the establishment and growth of metastatic cells. It then goes through several steps leading to the formation of lesions that result in bone resorption or excessive bone formation. Bone tissue provides a unique environment (low oxygen concentration, mineral content, acidic pH, elevated concentration of calcium) for metastatic cells, creating a fertile ground for growth, so tumor–stroma interaction drives the progression of the lesion. Cancer cells co-opt the bone marrow microenvironment to promote their own survival, growth, and metastatic progression.

Although our knowledge of the biological events involved in metastasis is increasingly clear, much remains to be done to achieve the goal of preventing or blocking bone metastases when they are at an early stage or treating them.

The purpose of this Issue is to take stock of the molecular mechanisms involved in the establishment and evolution of the bone-metastatic process since the understanding of the events involved in its formation is fundamental for developing molecular-target therapies to reduce the negative and destructive impact of metastasis. Studies aimed at the identification of molecules with prognostic value are also of paramount importance for the prevention of bone metastasis development. Original articles and reviews will be considered.

This Special Issue is jointly organized between Biomolecules and Biomedicines. In accordance with the Aims and Scope of these journals, articles showing basic studies in biochemistry, molecular biology, and molecular medicine can be submitted to Biomolecules, whereas articles referring to cancer biology and therapeutics or with more clinical content can be submitted to Biomedicines.

Dr. Paola Bendinelli
Dr. Paola Maroni
Guest Editors

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• Bone metastases
• Tumor invasion
• Biomarkers
• Non-coding RNAs (miRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs)
• Exosomes/extracellular vesicles
• Circulating tumor cells (CTCs)
• Tumor microenvironment
• Metalloproteases
• Cancer-associated fibroblasts
• Cytokines
• Growth factors
• Protein kinases