The RANKL/RANK system as a therapeutic target for bone invasion by oral squamous cell carcinoma (Review)

Int J Oncol. 2013 Mar;42(3):803-9. doi: 10.3892/ijo.2013.1794. Epub 2013 Jan 23.

Abstract

Squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) of the gingiva frequently invade the mandible or maxilla; this invasion is associated with a worse prognosis. The bone destruction associated with carcinomal invasion is mediated by osteoclasts rather than directly by the carcinoma. Therefore, if the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which oral SCC regulates bone invasion were known, it could inform the development of new therapeutic targets. Recently, dysregulation of the functional equilibrium in the receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL)/RANK/osteoprotegerin (OPG) triad has been shown to be responsible for osteolysis associated with the development of malignant tumors in bone sites. Furthermore, the administration of OPG or soluble RANK prevents bone metastasis by cancer cells. In this review, we discuss recent findings indicating that bone invasion by oral SCC is mediated via RANKL/RANK and may be successfully prevented by RANKL inhibition.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bone Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Bone Neoplasms / prevention & control
  • Bone Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Bone and Bones / metabolism
  • Bone and Bones / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / metabolism*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / secondary
  • Humans
  • Mandible / pathology
  • Mice
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy
  • Mouth Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Mouth Neoplasms / pathology
  • NF-kappa B / metabolism
  • Osteoclasts / metabolism
  • Osteolysis / metabolism
  • Osteoprotegerin / metabolism
  • RANK Ligand / antagonists & inhibitors
  • RANK Ligand / metabolism*
  • Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-kappa B / metabolism*

Substances

  • NF-kappa B
  • Osteoprotegerin
  • RANK Ligand
  • Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-kappa B
  • TNFRSF11A protein, human
  • TNFSF11 protein, human