The role of lysyl oxidase, the extracellular matrix and the pre-metastatic niche in bone metastasis

Most deaths from solid cancers occur as a result of secondary metastasis to distant sites. Bone is the primary site for many cancer types and can account for up to 80% of cancer-related deaths in certain tumours. The progression from a discrete solid primary tumour to devastating and painful bone metastases is a complex process involving multiple cell types and steps. There is increasing evidence that modulation of the extracellular matrix plays an important role in the lethal transition from a primary to disseminated metastatic bone tumour. This review provides an overview of the current understanding on the role of role of lysyl oxidase, the extracellular matrix and the pre-metastatic niche in bone metastasis. .