[Treatment of bone metastases]

Enhanced osteoclastogenesis and osteoclastic activity through receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B (RANK) ligand - RANK system together with cytokines released from bone matrix during bone resorption play important roles in the development of bone metastases. Bisphosphonates with potent inhibitory activity on bone resorption have been shown to reduce the number of skeletal events and have some analgesic effect in patients with bone metastases from breast cancer or multiple myeloma. However, bisphosphonates do not affect survival of these patients and better drugs for prevention and treatment of bone metastases are necessary.