Bone invasion and/or metastasis by malignant tumors and its underlying mechanisms

Bone destruction due to a malignant tumor can be caused by direct invasion, such as osteosarcoma or gingival carcinoma, or by bone metastases derived from various regional cancers. Despite remarkable therapeutic developments such as molecularly targeted drugs and immune checkpoint inhibitors, bone invasion and metastasis remain a significant cause of poor prognosis. Therefore, it is desirable to elucidate the cancer pathophysiology of bone destruction and develop drugs that target this process. Many studies have shown the importance of osteoclast-mediated bone resorption in the destruction and invasion of bone in each case, while tumor cells have also been reported to be directly involved in bone degradation. Understanding the complex pathophysiology of cancer and bone and uncovering the mechanisms underlying bone invasion and/or metastasis by malignant tumors will definitely lead to the next therapeutic strategies. In this special issue, we call for a wide range of basic and clinical studies on malignant tumors causing bone destruction. In particular, studies and reviews on the mechanisms of bone destruction and progression by malignant tumors or their significance as clinical therapeutic targets are encouraged.

29/03/2025