Cellular mechanisms of bone resorption in breast carcinoma
2001
Cellular mechanisms of bone resorption in breast carcinoma
publication
Author Information
Author(s): Hunt N C A, Fujikawa Y, Sabokbar A, Itonaga I, Harris A, Athanasou N A
Primary Institution: University of Oxford
Hypothesis
Are circulating osteoclast precursors increased in number or sensitivity in breast cancer patients with skeletal metastases compared to controls?
Conclusion
The increase in osteoclast formation in breast cancer is not due to an increase in circulating osteoclast precursors, but rather due to tumor cells promoting osteoclast formation.
Supporting Evidence
- Limiting dilution experiments showed no increase in circulating osteoclast precursors in breast cancer patients with skeletal metastases compared to controls.
- Osteoclast precursors did not exhibit increased sensitivity to 1,25(OH)2D3 or M-CSF for osteoclast formation.
- Addition of cultured breast cancer cell line supernatants significantly increased monocyte-osteoclast formation.
Takeaway
This study found that breast cancer doesn't increase the number of certain bone cells, but cancer cells can help those cells grow.
Methodology
Monocytes were isolated and cocultured with osteoblastic cells and various factors to assess osteoclast formation.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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