Advances in treatment of metastatic breast cancer with bone metastasis

Ziping Wu1, Jinsong Lu2

  • 1Department of Breast Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China.

Insights

Metastatic breast cancer commonly affects bone. Current treatments include bone-targeting drugs like bisphosphonates and denosumab, with ongoing research into optimal use and new therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Bone Metastasis Research
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Bone is the most frequent site for metastatic breast cancer (MBC).
  • Treatment strategies involve systemic therapy tailored to molecular subtypes and specific bone interventions.
  • Current approved bone-targeting agents include bisphosphonates and denosumab.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current treatment approaches for bone metastases in breast cancer.
  • To highlight the limitations and ongoing research regarding bisphosphonate and denosumab dosing and duration.
  • To introduce emerging therapies for bone metastatic breast cancer.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of current treatment guidelines and clinical trials.
  • Analysis of approved therapies for bone metastases.
  • Exploration of novel therapeutic agents in preclinical or early clinical development.

Main Results:

  • Bisphosphonates and denosumab are the primary approved treatments for bone metastases.
  • Optimal dosing schedules and treatment durations for these agents remain subjects of active research.
  • Several novel therapeutic avenues, including curcuminoids, sunitinib, and nanoparticle-based therapies, show future promise.

Conclusions:

  • Effective management of bone metastases in breast cancer requires a multimodal approach.
  • Further research is crucial to optimize the use of existing bone-targeting drugs.
  • Emerging therapies offer potential advancements in treating bone metastatic breast cancer.

Related Concept Videos

Treatment Resistant Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistant Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
3.8K
Metastasis02:30

Metastasis

Metastasis is the spread of cancer cells from the original site to distant locations in the body. Cancer cells can spread via blood vessels (hematogenous) as well as lymph vessels in the body.
Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition
The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition or EMT is a developmental process commonly observed in wound healing, embryogenesis, and cancer metastasis. EMT is induced by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) or receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) ligands, which further...
6.6K
Overview of Advanced Functional Groups02:22

Overview of Advanced Functional Groups


Functional groups are groups of atoms with specific chemical properties that occur within organic molecules and are sometimes denoted as “R”. Functional groups can “functionalize” a compound by enabling it to adopt different physical and chemical properties.
Types of Advanced Functional Groups
The table below summarizes some of the major functional groups in organic chemistry.
30.1K
Extraction: Advanced Methods00:56

Extraction: Advanced Methods

Metal ions can be separated from one another by complexation with organic ligands–the chelating agent– to form uncharged chelates. Here, the chelating agent must contain hydrophobic groups and behave as a weak acid, losing a proton to bind with the metal. Since most organic ligands used in this process are insoluble or undergo oxidation in the aqueous phase, the chelating agent is initially added to the organic phase and extracted into the aqueous phase. The metal-ligand complex is...
1.2K
Sample Preparation for Analysis: Advanced Techniques01:08

Sample Preparation for Analysis: Advanced Techniques

Accurate analysis of complex samples often requires advanced preparation techniques to achieve reliable and reproducible results. Samples containing inorganic or organic materials can be challenging to dissolve or decompose effectively. Standard sample preparation methods include acid digestion, fusion, dry ashing, and wet digestion.
Acid digestion with strong acids is commonly used to dissolve inorganic materials that are insoluble (do not dissolve) in water. This method can be useful for...
1.5K
Bone Structure01:55

Bone Structure

Within the skeletal system, the structure of a bone, or osseous tissue, can be exemplified in a long bone, like the femur, where there are two types of osseous tissue: cortical and cancellous.
51.8K