RANK, RANKL and OPG Expression in Breast Cancer - Influence on Osseous Metastasis.

ABSTRACT: In women, malignant breast tumours are among the most common malignant diseases in Europe. In advanced breast cancer, the risk of bone metastasis increases to 65-75 %. The discovery of the physiological bone metabolism parameters RANK (receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB), RANKL (receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand) and OPG (osteoprotegerin) as well as their pathophysiological involvement in bone-related diseases is the subject of new therapeutic strategies. The formation of osteolytic bone metastasis requires increased osteoclast activity. Activation of osteoclasts by excessive direct RANKL or reduced OPG expression of osseous metastatic tumour cells remains to be elucidated. More than 50 % of primary breast cancer cells express OPG and RANK, while RANKL could be detected o

SUBMITTER: Ney JT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4168338 | biostudies-literature | 2012 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature