Bone metastases in lung cancer. Potential novel approaches to therapy.

Abstract

The skeleton is a common site of metastases in lung cancer, an event associated with significant morbidities and poor outcomes. Current antiresorptive therapies provide limited benefit, and novel strategies of prevention and treatment are urgently needed. This review summarizes the latest advances and new perspectives on emerging experimental and clinical approaches to block this deleterious process. Progress propelled by preclinical models has led to a deeper understanding on the complex interplay of tumor cells in the osseous milieu, unveiling potential new targets for drug development. Improvements in early diagnosis through the use of sophisticated imaging techniques with bone serum biomarkers are also discussed in the context of identifying patients at risk and monitoring disease progression during the course of treatment.