In Vivo Models of Human Prostate Cancer Bone Metastasis

According to the American Cancer Society, adenocarcinoma of the prostate is the most common newly-diagnosed cancer in men and was the secondleading cause of cancer-related death in men more than 60 yr of age in the year 2000 (1 ). Much of the morbidity and mortality associated with prostate cancer is the result of its progression to distant metastasis, particularly to bone: more than 70% of patients present at autopsy with bone metastases (2 ,3 ). These lesions are usually osteoblastic with a strong lytic component, such that normal bone is resorbed and replaced with woven bone (4 ), which is disorganized and has reduced bone mineral density (5 ). Resulting fractures, compressions, and pain compromise the quality and quantity of life of the patient and represent a grave problem for clinicians. Bone metastases are classically difficult to treat and monitor effectively (6 ), although recent advances in the analgesic use of radionuclides and bisphosphonates offer new strategies to combat bone pain (7 ,8 ).