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

Bone metastasis is a common phenomenon in patients with advanced prostate c ancer The molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in this process are no t well understood. Past reviews on this subject primarily focused on prosta te 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 foc used on chemotactic and cell adhesion molecules potentially involved in pro state cancer metastasis to bone. In addition, recently developed animal mod els for prostate cancer metastasis to bone are discussed.