Role of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Bone Metastasis from Human Breast and Prostate Cancer

Bone metastases are a significant problem in patients with cancer of the breast and prostate. Bone metastases are associated with extensive morbidity and mortality. They cause clinical disease due to extensive, intractable bone pain, pathological fractures, and spinal cord compression and leads eventually to death. 70% of patients that die of breast cancer have noticeable disease in their bones (1, 2). Similar numbers are found for prostate cancer patients (2). Bone disease is also a major problem in multiple myeloma patients. The manifestation of the bone involvement is distinct for the three types of cancers.