Bone Metastasis

Most of the morbidity and mortality associated with malignant disease arise from metastases rather than primary tumors. Patients with advanced breast or prostate cancers usually develop bone metastases; at the time of death the skeleton often bears the bulk of their tumor burden. This book covers the latest advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of bone metastasis that are now driving the development of new therapeutic strategies, as exemplified by the successful use of bisphosphonates for metastatic bone disease. It covers everything from growth factors and proteases to the role of photodynamic therapy to the use of hormones.