Bone Marrow Adipose Tissue and Cancer
EDWARDS C.
Interactions within the tumor-bone microenvironment are integral to both tumor growth and survival, and to development of the associated bone disease. Whereas the contribution of cells such as osteoclasts and osteoblasts to these processes are well defined, the role of bone marrow adipose tissue is less clear. Bone marrow adipocytes are highly specialized cells whose functional significance has only recently been recognized, with metabolic and endocrine functions that may facilitate tumor progression within the bone microenvironment. Understanding how bone marrow adipocytes contribute to the metastatic niche in multiple myeloma and solid tumors that metastasize to bone will ultimately reveal new therapeutic approaches.