Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases

2000, Volume 3, Issue 1, Pages 6 - 12

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Review
Cell adhesion and chemotaxis in prostate cancer metastasis to bone: a minireview

CR Cooper & KJ Pienta

University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA    

Correspondence to: CR Cooper, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1500 E. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0946, USA.
E-mail: cacooper@umich.edu     

Keywords
cell adhesion molecules;   cytokines;   human bone marrow;   endothelial cells;   chemoattractants;   prostate cancer cells

Abstract

Bone metastasis is a common phenomenon in patients with advanced prostate cancer. The molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in this process are not well understood. Past reviews on this subject primarily focused on prostate tumor growth in the bone marrow and the effects this growth has on bone homeostasis (ie osteoblastic and osteolytic). Cell chemotaxis and adhesion are also important for site-specific metastasis. In this review we have focused on chemotactic and cell adhesion molecules potentially involved in prostate cancer metastasis to bone. In addition, recently developed animal models for prostate cancer metastasis to bone are discussed.

Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases (2000) 3, 6-12

Received 8 November 1999; Revised 15 February 2000; Accepted 16 February 2000

© Macmillan Publishers Ltd 2000