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Keywords = bone and bone marrow metastasis

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31 pages, 6870 KB  
Review
Decoding the Role of MDSCs in Bone Metastasis: Multicellular Interactions and Clinical Implications
by Samaa Alotab, Mariam Zainab, Labibah Labib Khamies, Rasha Alissa and Khalid Said Mohammad
Pharmaceuticals 2026, 19(5), 723; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph19050723 - 2 May 2026
Viewed by 876
Abstract
Bone metastasis remains a major cause of morbidity in advanced cancer, driven not only by tumor–bone crosstalk but also by profound immune remodeling within the marrow. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), including polymorphonuclear (PMN-MDSC) and monocytic (M-MDSC) subsets, are increasingly recognized as central effectors [...] Read more.
Bone metastasis remains a major cause of morbidity in advanced cancer, driven not only by tumor–bone crosstalk but also by profound immune remodeling within the marrow. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), including polymorphonuclear (PMN-MDSC) and monocytic (M-MDSC) subsets, are increasingly recognized as central effectors of this process, integrating inflammatory signals with metabolic and stromal cues to enforce immune suppression and support skeletal colonization. In this review, we synthesize current evidence that bone metastases transform the bone marrow into an “MDSC amplifier,” where vascular and endosteal niches, CXCL12-rich stromal compartments, hypoxia, and adipocyte-derived lipids collectively promote MDSC recruitment, persistence, and functional maturation. We discuss the dominant suppressive programs deployed by MDSCs in bone (e.g., arginase-1 activity, reactive oxygen/nitrogen species, and checkpoint ligand expression), and how these mechanisms converge to impair cytotoxic T-cell and NK-cell responses while fostering regulatory T-cell dominance. Importantly, because the marrow is a hematopoietic organ, bone lesions can also generate systemic consequences through myeloid spillover, providing a mechanistic basis for reduced responsiveness to immune checkpoint blockade in bone-dominant disease. We then evaluate pharmacologic strategies to target MDSCs in the context of bone metastasis, including approaches that block trafficking (e.g., CCR2/CXCR2 axes), deplete or reprogram suppressive myeloid states (e.g., STAT3-directed strategies, differentiation therapy), and disrupt bone-resorptive feedback loops (e.g., receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) inhibition and bisphosphonates), emphasizing rational combinations and sequencing to limit marrow toxicity. Finally, we highlight emerging single-cell and spatial profiling tools that can resolve bone-specific heterogeneity in MDSCs and guide biomarker-driven, mechanism-informed therapeutic development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tumor Immunopharmacology, 2nd Edition)
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19 pages, 828 KB  
Review
Construction Strategies and Advances in Bone Marrow Microphysiological Systems
by Tian Lin, Haodong Zhong, Qianyi Niu, Ruiqiu Zhang, Manman Zhao and Xiaobing Zhou
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(8), 3586; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27083586 - 17 Apr 2026
Viewed by 605
Abstract
Bone marrow(BM) is the primary site of hematopoiesis, supporting the self-renewal and differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Its function depends on a highly complex microenvironment composed of stromal cells, vascular networks, extracellular matrix components, and dynamic biophysical signals. Traditional two-dimensional culture systems [...] Read more.
Bone marrow(BM) is the primary site of hematopoiesis, supporting the self-renewal and differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Its function depends on a highly complex microenvironment composed of stromal cells, vascular networks, extracellular matrix components, and dynamic biophysical signals. Traditional two-dimensional culture systems and animal models fail to adequately recapitulate the spatial architecture and dynamic regulatory processes of the human bone marrow niche, thereby limiting in-depth investigations into hematopoietic regulatory mechanisms, disease pathogenesis, and drug-induced bone marrow toxicity. In recent years, advances in microphysiological systems (MPS) have provided novel engineering approaches for the in vitro reconstruction of the bone marrow microenvironment. This review systematically summarizes current construction strategies for bone marrow MPS, including three-dimensional self-organized bone marrow organoids and microfluidic bone marrow-on-a-chip platforms. Particular attention is given to the roles of key cellular components, biomaterial scaffolds, vascularized architectures, and dynamic perfusion systems in biomimetic bone marrow engineering. In addition, we discuss strategies for constructing more complex models, such as vascular niches, vascularized bone tissue constructs, and bone metastasis models. Bone marrow MPS more faithfully recapitulate the hematopoietic microenvironment and provide a physiologically relevant in vitro platform for hematopoietic research, disease modeling, and drug evaluation, thereby supporting future advances in precision and regenerative medicine. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Biology)
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11 pages, 14031 KB  
Case Report
Extracranial Metastases in Glioblastoma, IDH-Wildtype: A Case Series
by Valèria Richart, Marta García de Herreros, Juan Andrés Mora, Camilo Pineda, Iban Aldecoa, Estela Pineda, Izaskun Valduvieco, José Juan González, Laura Oleaga and Sofía González-Ortiz
Diagnostics 2026, 16(7), 1094; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16071094 - 5 Apr 2026
Viewed by 709
Abstract
Background: Extracranial metastasis (EM) from glioblastoma (GB), IDH-wildtype (WHO CNS 2021 grade 4) is rare and often under-recognized, yet it has immediate implications for staging and management. We report a case series integrating advanced neuroimaging, whole-body imaging, and pathology/biomarkers to characterize imaging–pathology [...] Read more.
Background: Extracranial metastasis (EM) from glioblastoma (GB), IDH-wildtype (WHO CNS 2021 grade 4) is rare and often under-recognized, yet it has immediate implications for staging and management. We report a case series integrating advanced neuroimaging, whole-body imaging, and pathology/biomarkers to characterize imaging–pathology correlates of EM and highlight practical clinical triggers that should prompt systemic evaluation. Case presentation: We report three patients with adult-type, IDH-wildtype GB who developed EM confirmed by cytology/histology and/or concordant multimodality imaging. Brain MRI (1.5T/3T) demonstrated aggressive primary tumors with qualitative elevation of DSC-perfusion and frequent tumor–surface contact (dural, ependymal/leptomeningeal contact). Intratumoral susceptibility signal reached grade 3 where assessed. All patients underwent surgical resection followed by temozolomide-based chemoradiation; two received fotemustine and bevacizumab, and one underwent re-irradiation. EM presented with clinical triggers including severe axial/back pain, palpable cervical masses, and/or cytopenias. Initial EM sites were bone marrow/vertebrae (n = 1) and cervical lymph nodes (n = 2); staging revealed additional osseous disease in both nodal cases and a small pulmonary nodule in one. Nodal and osseous lesions were FDG-avid on 18F-FDG PET/CT. OLIG2-positive cytology confirmed cervical nodal metastases, and bone marrow aspiration with GFAP/OLIG2 positivity confirmed medullary infiltration. All tumors shared a molecular profile of TERT-promoter mutation, ATRX wild-type, TP53 mutation, and MGMT-promoter methylation. Despite attempts at second- and third-line therapies, disease progression was rapid, and all patients succumbed within 8–16 months of diagnosis. Discussion: This series underscores that EM can occur despite MGMT-promoter methylation and supports the concept of heterogeneous metastatic phenotypes in GB. Our cases reinforce that new axial/back pain or hematologic abnormalities may signal osseous or marrow involvement, and necrotic cervical lymphadenopathy in GB patients warrants dedicated imaging and tissue confirmation with glial markers. Integrating brain MRI features (high perfusion, surface contact, susceptibility burden) with FDG-PET/CT and targeted cytology/pathology can expedite diagnosis and inform multidisciplinary care. Conclusions: EM can arise despite MGMT-promoter methylation in IDH-wildtype GBM. Imaging red flags (high perfusion, surface contact, necrotic/FDG-avid cervical nodes) and clinical cues (axial pain, cytopenias, neck masses) should prompt early systemic staging (CT/PET-CT) and targeted tissue confirmation to advance management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Advances and Applications in Neuroradiology: 2nd Edition)
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22 pages, 3397 KB  
Review
Advances in Bone-on-a-Chips for In Vitro Modeling of Bone Physiology and Pathology
by Xiuyun Cheng, Mingxia Lu, Ming Ma, Shumin Zhou, Jun Xu, Yuhao Li and Hongxu Lu
Biomedicines 2026, 14(3), 710; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14030710 - 19 Mar 2026
Viewed by 1134
Abstract
Bone is a dynamic and multifunctional tissue that provides mechanical support, regulates mineral homeostasis, supports hematopoiesis, and relies on complex interactions among multiple cell types. The increasing incidence of bone-related diseases, such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, fracture non-union, and bone cancer, highlights the need [...] Read more.
Bone is a dynamic and multifunctional tissue that provides mechanical support, regulates mineral homeostasis, supports hematopoiesis, and relies on complex interactions among multiple cell types. The increasing incidence of bone-related diseases, such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, fracture non-union, and bone cancer, highlights the need for in vitro models that better reflect human bone physiology. Bone-on-a-chip technology, developed through advances in microfluidics, biomaterials, and tissue engineering, offers a promising approach to recreate key features of the bone microenvironment in vitro. By incorporating bone-mimicking materials, relevant bone cells, vascular components, fluid perfusion, and mechanical stimulation, these platforms allow more realistic investigation of bone remodeling, regeneration, disease mechanisms, and drug responses. In parallel, bone organoids and their integration with microfluidic chips have further expanded the capabilities of in vitro bone models by enabling the formation of self-organized, human-relevant bone tissues with increased cellular complexity. This review summarizes recent progress in bone-on-a-chip systems, including models for osteogenesis and bone regeneration, vascularized bone, bone marrow and hematopoietic niches, cancer bone metastasis, and mechanobiological studies. Key design principles, materials, cellular components, and applications in disease modeling, drug screening, toxicity assessment, and personalized medicine are discussed. Current challenges and future directions are also discussed to support the continued development of more physiologically relevant in vitro bone models. Full article
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26 pages, 5637 KB  
Article
Pro-Tumorigenic Signaling Between Small Extracellular Vesicles of Cancer Cells and Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells—An In Vitro Study
by Jyothi Attem, Ram Mukka Raju Jogula, Swathi Kaliki and Geeta K. Vemuganti
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(6), 2654; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27062654 - 13 Mar 2026
Viewed by 630
Abstract
Retinoblastoma (Rb) is an intraocular tumor caused by genetic alterations in the RB1 and MYCN genes within developing retinal cells. Chemoresistance and metastasis are major challenges for treatment, with the bone marrow (BM) representing the most common metastatic site. We investigated the effect [...] Read more.
Retinoblastoma (Rb) is an intraocular tumor caused by genetic alterations in the RB1 and MYCN genes within developing retinal cells. Chemoresistance and metastasis are major challenges for treatment, with the bone marrow (BM) representing the most common metastatic site. We investigated the effect of tumor-derived sEVs (TDsEVs) on the crosstalk between metastatic site cells (BM-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSC)) and tumor cells, and characterized them according to MISEV guidelines. The uptake of sEVs and the associated phenotypic changes in the BM-MSCs were analyzed with confocal microcopy. The functional effects were assessed through MTT assays for viability, scratch and Transwell assays for migration, and colony- and sphere-formation assays to evaluate clonogenicity and self-renewal, while stemness marker expression was examined by immunoblotting. Secretome changes following sEV exposure were analyzed using dot blot assays. sEVs were taken up by both cells. TD-sEVs significantly enhanced BM-MSC migration and induced differentiation into a myofibroblast-like phenotype without affecting cell viability. Conversely, BM-MSC-derived sEVs promoted tumor cell viability, migration, and stemness marker expression. Both the BM-MSCs and tumor cells exhibited altered secretory profiles after sEV treatment. The in vitro findings provide cumulative evidence that sEV-mediated interactions contribute to a tumor-supportive milieu or premetastatic niche at the BM in Rb. Full article
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22 pages, 938 KB  
Review
The Lymphatic–Bone Axis in Cancer Metastasis
by Ahlim Lee, James Rhee, Rajeev Malhotra, Jang Hee Han and Kangsan Roh
Cancers 2026, 18(6), 892; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18060892 - 10 Mar 2026
Viewed by 1107
Abstract
Bone metastasis is a devastating complication of advanced osteotropic malignancies, notably breast, prostate, lung carcinomas, and malignant melanoma, and remains a primary driver of mortality. Historical paradigms have conceptualized skeletal dissemination almost exclusively as a hematogenous process wherein circulating tumor cells colonize receptive [...] Read more.
Bone metastasis is a devastating complication of advanced osteotropic malignancies, notably breast, prostate, lung carcinomas, and malignant melanoma, and remains a primary driver of mortality. Historical paradigms have conceptualized skeletal dissemination almost exclusively as a hematogenous process wherein circulating tumor cells colonize receptive bone marrow niches. However, this model fails to reconcile why lymph node metastasis consistently serves as a potent predictor of bone involvement even though therapeutic lymphadenectomy rarely prevents distant spread. This discordance suggests that lymph nodes function not merely as passive reservoirs but as active ‘evolutionary gateways’ that sculpt bone-tropic metastatic clones. In this review, we introduce the Lymphatic–Bone Axis, a framework integrating lymphatic biology into models of bone metastasis. We synthesize emerging evidence elucidating how the lymph node microenvironment primes tumor cells through CCR7-CXCR4 switching, induction of osteomimicry programs, and metabolic reprogramming that favors survival within the bone marrow. We also discuss preclinical data demonstrating direct intranodal intravasation via high endothelial venules (HEVs), providing a rapid route into the systemic circulation that bypasses the thoracic duct. Beyond consolidating current knowledge, we outline a research agenda for dissecting this axis, including longitudinal single-cell transcriptomic mapping and functional assessments of lymph node-derived tumor cells. Finally, we consider translational implications, highlighting why bone-targeted agents alone may prove insufficient once cells are conditioned within lymphatic niches. By mechanistically linking lymphatic priming to skeletal colonization, this review informs the rational design of multimodal therapeutic approaches that jointly target lymphatic transit and the bone microenvironment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Bone Metastasis Research: From Mechanisms to Therapy)
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29 pages, 3217 KB  
Article
Chromatin Engagement and Transcriptional Activity of the ZNF217 Exon 4–Skipping Isoform Are Associated with Breast Cancer Aggressiveness and Bone Metastasis
by Pia Fahmé, Lamia Bouazza, Martine Croset, Farah Ramadan, Séverine Croze, Mariapia Riso, Justin Ferraro, Philippe Clézardin, Olivier Peyruchaud, Joël Lachuer, Balázs Győrffy, Robert A. Coleman and Pascale A. Cohen
Cancers 2026, 18(4), 664; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18040664 - 18 Feb 2026
Viewed by 691
Abstract
Background: Breast cancer remains a major health issue, with bone metastases negatively impacting patient outcomes. The biochemical and biological functions of the exon 4-splice isoform (ZNF217-ΔE4) of the oncogenic transcription factor ZNF217 have been poorly investigated. Methods/Results: This study, for the first time, [...] Read more.
Background: Breast cancer remains a major health issue, with bone metastases negatively impacting patient outcomes. The biochemical and biological functions of the exon 4-splice isoform (ZNF217-ΔE4) of the oncogenic transcription factor ZNF217 have been poorly investigated. Methods/Results: This study, for the first time, elucidates through advanced live-cell single-molecule tracking microscopy that the C-terminus of ZNF217 influences chromatin engagement and binding stability. ZNF217-ΔE4 retains its ability to be recruited and to promote positive transcriptional activity. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated silencing of the ZNF217 gene in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells impairs cell aggressiveness, while reintroduction of the ZNF217-ΔE4 isoform is sufficient to restore increased cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and stemness features. In vivo, ZNF217 ΔE4—although less potent than the wild-type isoform—accelerates the formation of bone marrow micrometastases. A retrospective analysis of primary breast tumors revealed that patients with high ZNF217-ΔE4 mRNA levels had a higher risk of developing bone metastases. Conclusions: Overall, this study identifies ZNF217-ΔE4 as a novel functional isoform that mediates breast cancer cell aggressiveness and bone marrow homing. It also highlights this isoform as a promising biomarker and potential therapeutic target for breast cancers at elevated risk of bone metastasis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regulators of Breast Cancer Metastasis)
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20 pages, 1405 KB  
Article
When Standards Meet Reality: An Inverted PORTEC-3 Protocol for High-Risk Endometrial Cancer in Resource-Limited Settings
by Raouia Ben Amor, Ines Mlayeh, Amal Riahi, Zeineb Naimi, Myriam Saadi, Rihab Haddad, Ghada Bouguerra, Awatef Hamdoun, Lilia Ghorbel, Nesrine Mejri Turki and Lotfi Kochbati
Cancers 2026, 18(3), 415; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18030415 - 28 Jan 2026
Viewed by 836
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy represents a standard adjuvant treatment for patients with high-risk endometrial cancer. However, limited access to radiotherapy in many healthcare systems frequently results in treatment delays, potentially compromising outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy represents a standard adjuvant treatment for patients with high-risk endometrial cancer. However, limited access to radiotherapy in many healthcare systems frequently results in treatment delays, potentially compromising outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the oncologic outcomes and toxicity profile of an inverted treatment sequence consisting of upfront chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Methods: We conducted a retrospective single-center study including patients with non-metastatic high-risk endometrial cancer. Eligible patients had FIGO stage I grade 3 disease with lymphovascular space invasion, stage II–III disease, or non-endometrioid histology. All patients received four cycles of paclitaxel–carboplatin followed by pelvic radiotherapy with concurrent cisplatin. Survival outcomes, including local recurrence-free survival, disease-free survival, metastasis-free survival, and overall survival, were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method and Cox proportional hazards models. Acute hematologic toxicity was graded according to CTCAE v5.0. Bone marrow dose–volume parameters were evaluated, and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to identify thresholds associated with grade ≥ 2 hematologic toxicity. Results: Fifty-two patients were included, with a median follow-up of 31.4 months. Five-year overall survival and disease-free survival rates were 86.1% and 77.5%, respectively. Ten patients relapsed, with distant metastases observed in all cases and synchronous local recurrence in one. Delays between surgery and radiotherapy of 20 weeks or more, as well as delays exceeding 10 weeks before initiation of chemotherapy, were associated with significantly reduced disease-free survival. Grade ≥ 2 hematologic toxicity was frequent, and neutropenia was associated with inferior overall survival. Bone marrow dose–volume thresholds predictive of hematologic toxicity included V40 Gy < 20–25% and V30 Gy < 40%. Conclusions: A chemotherapy-first adjuvant strategy provides favorable oncologic outcomes and excellent locoregional control in high-risk endometrial cancer when radiotherapy is delayed. However, increased hematologic toxicity highlights the importance of optimized bone marrow sparing. Full article
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26 pages, 1806 KB  
Review
CXCR4: A Promising Novel Strategy for Lung Cancer Treatment
by Mengting Liao, Jianmin Wu, Tengkun Dai, Guiyan Liu, Jiayi Zhang, Yiling Zhu, Lin Xu and Juanjuan Zhao
Biomolecules 2026, 16(2), 188; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom16020188 - 26 Jan 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1244
Abstract
Lung cancer remains a major public health challenge due to high incidence and mortality. The chemokine receptor CXCR4 and its ligand CXCL12 (SDF-1) constitute a critical axis in tumor biology, influencing tumor cell proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, and immune evasion. Aberrant CXCR4 expression is [...] Read more.
Lung cancer remains a major public health challenge due to high incidence and mortality. The chemokine receptor CXCR4 and its ligand CXCL12 (SDF-1) constitute a critical axis in tumor biology, influencing tumor cell proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, and immune evasion. Aberrant CXCR4 expression is frequently observed in lung cancer and is closely associated with adverse prognosis, enhanced metastatic potential, and therapeutic resistance. Mechanistically, CXCR4 activates signaling pathways including PI3K/AKT, MAPK/ERK, JAK/STAT, and FAK/Src, promoting epithelial–mesenchymal transition, stemness, and survival. The CXCL12/CXCR4 axis also orchestrates interactions with the tumor microenvironment, facilitating chemotaxis toward CXCL12-rich niches (e.g., bone marrow and brain) and modulating anti-tumor immunity via regulatory cells. Regulation of CXCR4 occurs at transcriptional, epigenetic, and post-transcriptional levels, with modulation by hypoxia, inflammatory signals, microRNAs, and post-translational modifications. Clinically, high CXCR4 expression correlates with metastasis, poor prognosis, and reduced response to certain therapies, underscoring its potential as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target. Therapeutic strategies targeting CXCR4 include small-molecule antagonists (e.g., AMD3100/plerixafor; balixafortide), anti-CXCR4 antibodies, and CXCL12 decoys, as well as imaging probes for patient selection and response monitoring (e.g., 68Ga-pentixafor PET). Preclinical and early clinical studies suggest that CXCR4 blockade can impair tumor growth, limit metastatic spread, and enhance chemotherapy and immunotherapy efficacy, although hematopoietic side effects and infection risk necessitate careful therapeutic design. This review synthesizes the molecular features, regulatory networks, and translational potential of CXCR4 in lung cancer and discusses future directions for precision therapy and biomarker-guided intervention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biomacromolecules: Proteins, Nucleic Acids and Carbohydrates)
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35 pages, 1648 KB  
Review
Microenvironmental and Molecular Pathways Driving Dormancy Escape in Bone Metastases
by Mohamad Bakir, Alhomam Dabaliz, Ahmad Dawalibi and Khalid S. Mohammad
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(24), 11893; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262411893 - 10 Dec 2025
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1886
Abstract
Bone metastases remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with advanced breast, prostate, and lung cancers. A striking clinical feature of bone metastasis is the ability of disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) to persist in a dormant state for years or [...] Read more.
Bone metastases remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with advanced breast, prostate, and lung cancers. A striking clinical feature of bone metastasis is the ability of disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) to persist in a dormant state for years or even decades before reawakening to drive overt disease. While the molecular and microenvironmental cues that induce and maintain dormancy have been increasingly studied, the mechanisms governing dormancy escape remain poorly defined yet are critical for preventing relapse. In this review, we synthesize emerging evidence on how the bone microenvironment orchestrates the transition of dormant tumor cells into proliferative lesions. We discuss how osteoclast-mediated bone resorption liberates growth factors such as TGF-β and IGF-1, fueling reactivation; how loss of osteoblast-mediated quiescence signals disrupts the endosteal niche; and how bone marrow adipocytes provide metabolic support through lipid transfer and adipokine secretion. We highlight the role of immune surveillance in maintaining dormancy and how immunosuppressive myeloid populations, regulatory T cells, and inflammatory triggers, such as neutrophil extracellular traps, promote escape. Additional emphasis is placed on extracellular matrix remodeling, mechanotransduction, angiogenic switching, and systemic factors, including aging, hormonal changes, and sympathetic nervous system activation. We also review epigenetic and metabolic reprogramming events within dormant cells that enable reactivation. Finally, we evaluate therapeutic strategies to sustain dormancy or prevent reawakening, including osteoclast-targeted therapies, immune-modulating approaches, and epigenetic or metabolic interventions. By integrating these insights, we identify key knowledge gaps and propose future directions to intercept dormancy escape and delay or prevent metastatic relapse in bone. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms and New Markers of Cancer)
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18 pages, 2403 KB  
Article
Imaging Reactive Oxygen Species with L-012 Reveals Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Formation in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
by Angisha Basnet, Kaitlyn M. Landreth, Michael Sestito, Kristen Ranson, Seth T. Gammon, David Piwnica-Worms, Brian A. Boone and Tracy W. Liu
Antioxidants 2025, 14(12), 1473; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14121473 - 8 Dec 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1553
Abstract
Neutrophils, key effector cells of the innate immune system, combat pathogens through mechanisms including the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). While these responses are critical for host defense, prolonged elevation of ROS and dysregulated [...] Read more.
Neutrophils, key effector cells of the innate immune system, combat pathogens through mechanisms including the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). While these responses are critical for host defense, prolonged elevation of ROS and dysregulated NETosis mediated by neutrophils have been implicated in autoimmune diseases, chronic inflammation, and cancer. In pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a highly aggressive and inflammatory malignancy, an increase in neutrophils infiltrating the tumor microenvironment promotes cancer progression and metastasis through increased ROS production and NET release. Using bioluminescence imaging with the reporter L-012 and NET assays, we assessed ROS and NET release, respectively, induced by phorbol myristate acetate and platelet-activating factor in bone-marrow-isolated neutrophils from wild-type and syngeneic myeloperoxidase (MPO)-deficient mice ex vivo. MPO deficiency impaired both ROS generation and NET release, establishing a positive correlation between these processes. In vivo analyses using subcutaneous and spontaneous murine PDAC models revealed elevated ROS in tumors, which were significantly reduced upon genetic deletion of host MPO or peptidyl arginine deiminase 4, an essential enzyme for NET formation, or after treatment with hydroxychloroquine, a NET inhibitor. Furthermore, luminol and 4-[18F]fluoro-1-naphthol ([18F]4FN), functional L-012 analogs, also enabled non-invasive detection of intratumoral ROS by bioluminescence and PET imaging in vivo, respectively; [18F]4FN PET showed a three-fold increased uptake in PDAC tumors versus muscle. PDAC tissues and blood-isolated neutrophils obtained from PDAC patients exhibited elevated ROS compared to controls ex vivo. Importantly, ROS levels correlated strongly with NET formation in patient samples. These findings reveal a bidirectional relationship between ROS and NETs and highlight the potential utility of L-012- and [18F]4FN-based PET imaging for monitoring NET-associated inflammation in PDAC in vivo. Full article
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16 pages, 4751 KB  
Article
Photothermal Therapy Combined with Chemotherapy and Anti-Inflammation Therapy Weakens the Immunosuppression of Cervical Cancer
by Xiaojing Yang, Jie Fu, Yi Xu, Dejian Li and Hanru Ren
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(11), 1657; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18111657 - 1 Nov 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1058
Abstract
Background/Objectives: A non-toxic nano-platform which can increase drug-loading rate and synergistically increase antitumor effect is very ideal. This study provides the concept that a combination of photothermal therapy with chemotherapy and anti-inflammatory therapy will be achieved by ablation of the local tumor, robust [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: A non-toxic nano-platform which can increase drug-loading rate and synergistically increase antitumor effect is very ideal. This study provides the concept that a combination of photothermal therapy with chemotherapy and anti-inflammatory therapy will be achieved by ablation of the local tumor, robust strategies for the suppression of distant tumors with enhanced antitumor therapy outcomes. Methods: In this study, the chemotherapeutic drug cisplatin (DDP) and the anti-inflammatory drug Aspirin-DL-Lysine (ADL) were loaded into a hollow porous nanomaterial zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8), which was then coated with polydopamine, in order to form near-infrared absorption organic nanoparticles DDP-ADL@ZIF-8@PDA with excellent photothermal conversion efficiency. The antitumor efficacy of the nanodrug was evaluated through physicochemical characterization, cell biology studies, and animal experiments. Results: Photothermal therapy (PTT) of polydopamine combined with DDP and ADL can reduce inflammation and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and enhance antitumor effect. The results showed that the combined therapy could effectively eliminate the primary tumor, shrink the distant tumor, and inhibit the metastasis of the tumor. PTT in combination with chemotherapy and anti-inflammatory therapy can inhibit the expression of inflammatory factors, significantly reducing tumor immunosuppression by eliminating bone marrow-derived suppressor cells and increasing levels of cytotoxic T lymphocyte. Conclusions: This study successfully developed a DDP-ADL@ZIF-8@PDA nanomedicine for effective drug delivery, synergistic photothermal therapy, and anti-inflammatory attenuated immunotherapy to enhance treatment of human cervical cancer xenografts in mice. Overall, the combination of photothermal therapy with chemotherapy and anti-inflammatory therapy on a nano-platform has great potential for antitumor therapy applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pharmacology)
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14 pages, 827 KB  
Article
LDH-to-Albumin Ratio (LAR) in Solid Tumor Patients with Cytopenia: A Simple Biomarker to Predict Bone Marrow Metastasis
by Tugba Cetintepe, Lutfi Cetintepe, Zeynep Guc, Ibrahim Ertekin, Onur Karaalp and Ahmet Alacacioglu
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(20), 7379; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14207379 - 18 Oct 2025
Viewed by 1146
Abstract
Objectives: This study evaluated the frequency of bone marrow metastasis (BMM), its associated clinical and laboratory parameters, and its effects on survival in patients with solid tumors who underwent bone marrow biopsy due to cytopenia. Furthermore, the diagnostic power of inflammatory biomarkers [...] Read more.
Objectives: This study evaluated the frequency of bone marrow metastasis (BMM), its associated clinical and laboratory parameters, and its effects on survival in patients with solid tumors who underwent bone marrow biopsy due to cytopenia. Furthermore, the diagnostic power of inflammatory biomarkers (LAR, NLR, PLR, HALP, and SII) in predicting BMM was systematically analyzed for the first time in a large sample. Methods: Data from 233 patients with solid tumors were retrospectively reviewed. Fifteen patients with therapy-related high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia were excluded, leaving 218 patients included in the study. Cytopenia was categorized according to CTCAE5.0. ROC analyses were performed for the inflammatory biomarkers LAR, NLR, PLR, SII, and HALP score. Results: BMM was detected in 39.9% (n = 87) of all patients. Prostate cancer exhibited the highest incidence of BMM, while bone represented the most common site of concurrent metastasis (p < 0.01). Hematologic and biochemical abnormalities—including low hemoglobin, platelet, and albumin levels, along with elevated LDH—were significantly associated with BMM (p < 0.01 for all). Elevated inflammatory indices (LAR, PLR, and SII) also correlated with higher risk. A multivariate analysis demonstrated that LAR provided the strongest predictive value (AUC: 0.939; 95% CI: 0.901–0.955; p < 0.01), with an optimal cutoff of 9.21. Conclusions: BMM is an important condition that negatively affects survival in solid tumor patients with cytopenia. The risk of BMM especially increases in male patients and in those with high LDH and low levels of albumin, hemoglobin, and platelets. Among the evaluated inflammatory biomarkers, LAR showed the highest diagnostic performance in predicting BMM. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Oncology)
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30 pages, 1765 KB  
Review
Adipocyte–Tumor Interactions in the Bone Marrow Niche: Implications for Metastasis and Therapy
by Alhomam Dabaliz, Mohammad Nawar Al Hakawati, Najmuddeen Alrashdan, Sarah Alrashdan, Mohamad Bakir and Khalid S. Mohammad
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(19), 9781; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26199781 - 8 Oct 2025
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3291
Abstract
Bone metastases continue to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with advanced cancers, driven by the dynamic remodeling of the bone marrow niche. Traditionally viewed as passive space-fillers, bone marrow adipocytes (BMAs) are now recognized as active regulators of [...] Read more.
Bone metastases continue to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with advanced cancers, driven by the dynamic remodeling of the bone marrow niche. Traditionally viewed as passive space-fillers, bone marrow adipocytes (BMAs) are now recognized as active regulators of tumor growth, therapeutic resistance, and skeletal pathology. BMAs comprise a significant portion of the adult marrow space, particularly in aging and obesity, and facilitate metastatic colonization through various mechanisms. These include metabolic coupling, where adipocyte-derived fatty acids fuel tumor oxidative phosphorylation; the secretion of adipokines such as leptin and IL-6, which promote epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, invasion, and immune evasion; regulation of osteoclastogenesis via RANKL expression; and the release of extracellular vesicles that reprogram cancer cell metabolism. Clinical and experimental studies show that BMA expansion correlates with increased tumor burden and poorer outcomes in breast, prostate, lung cancers, and multiple myeloma. Additionally, BMAs actively promote therapeutic resistance through metabolic rewiring and drug sequestration. Experimental models, ranging from in vitro co-cultures to in vivo patient-derived xenografts, demonstrate the complex roles of BMAs and also reveal important translational gaps. Despite promising preclinical approaches such as metabolic inhibitors, PPARγ modulation, adipokine blockade, and lifestyle changes, no therapies directly targeting BMAs have yet reached clinical practice. This review compiles current evidence on the biology of BMAs, their tumor-promoting interactions, and potential therapeutic strategies, while also highlighting unresolved questions about BMA heterogeneity, lipid flux, and immunometabolic crosstalk. By revealing how bone marrow adipocytes actively shape the metastatic niche through metabolic, endocrine, and immunological pathways, this review highlights their potential as novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for improving the management of bone metastases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Molecular Pathways in Oncology, 3rd Edition)
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24 pages, 1828 KB  
Review
New Insight into Bone Immunity in Marrow Cavity and Cancellous Bone Microenvironments and Their Regulation
by Hongxu Pu, Lanping Ding, Pinhui Jiang, Guanghao Li, Kai Wang, Jiawei Jiang and Xin Gan
Biomedicines 2025, 13(10), 2426; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13102426 - 3 Oct 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4270
Abstract
Bone immunity represents a dynamic interface where skeletal homeostasis intersects with systemic immune regulation. We synthesize emerging paradigms by contrasting two functionally distinct microenvironments: the marrow cavity, a hematopoietic and immune cell reservoir, and cancellous bone, a metabolically active hub orchestrating osteoimmune interactions. [...] Read more.
Bone immunity represents a dynamic interface where skeletal homeostasis intersects with systemic immune regulation. We synthesize emerging paradigms by contrasting two functionally distinct microenvironments: the marrow cavity, a hematopoietic and immune cell reservoir, and cancellous bone, a metabolically active hub orchestrating osteoimmune interactions. The marrow cavity not only generates innate and adaptive immune cells but also preserves long-term immune memory through stromal-derived chemokines and survival factors, while cancellous bone regulates bone remodeling via macrophage-osteoclast crosstalk and cytokine gradients. Breakthroughs in lymphatic vasculature identification challenge traditional views, revealing cortical and lymphatic networks in cancellous bone that mediate immune surveillance and pathological processes such as cancer metastasis. Central to bone immunity is the neuro–immune–endocrine axis, where sympathetic and parasympathetic signaling bidirectionally modulate osteoclastogenesis and macrophage polarization. Gut microbiota-derived metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids and polyamines, reshape bone immunity through epigenetic and receptor-mediated pathways, bridging systemic metabolism with local immune responses. In disease contexts, dysregulated immune dynamics drive osteoporosis via RANKL/IL-17 hyperactivity and promote leukemic evasion through microenvironmental immunosuppression. We further propose the “brain–gut–bone axis” as a systemic regulatory framework, wherein vagus nerve-mediated gut signaling enhances osteogenic pathways, while leptin and adipokine circuits link marrow adiposity to inflammatory bone loss. These insights redefine bone as a multidimensional immunometabolic organ, integrating neural, endocrine, and microbial inputs to maintain homeostasis. By elucidating the mechanisms of immune-driven bone pathologies, this work highlights therapeutic opportunities through biomaterial-mediated immunomodulation and microbiota-targeted interventions, paving the way for next-generation treatments in osteoimmune disorders. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Immunology and Immunotherapy)
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