Metastatic bone disease is a secondary cancer that occurs when cells from the primary tumor migrate to a bone location. Cell migration can occur by attachment to a basement membrane of the blood vessel wall (ie, neovascularization) or migration to a nearby vessel. Attachment to a basement membrane of a vessel wall requires secretion of proteolytic enzymes (in this case, integrins and/or cadherins) to disrupt the membrane, thereby allowing the cell to migrate into the bone. Metastatic bone tumors develop from the production of chemotactic factors and the RANK ligand, which are required for osteoclast activity (formation, function, and survival). As a result, bone resorption and the formation of pockets or holes occur, providing an environment for tumor cells to grow.
How much do you know about the presentation, workup, and treatment of metastatic bone disease? Test your knowledge with this short quiz.
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Cite this: Maurie Markman. Fast Five Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Metastatic Bone Disease? - Medscape - May 20, 2019.
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