Rapid bone repair in a patient with lung cancer metastases to the spine using a novel herbal medicine: A case report

Molecular mechanisms and clinical management of cancer bone metastasis

As one of the most common metastatic sites of malignancies, bone has a unique microenvironment that allows metastatic tumor cells to grow and flourish. The fenestrated capillaries in the bone, bone matrix, and bone cells, including osteoblasts and osteoclasts, together maintain the homeostasis of the bone microenvironment. In contrast, tumor-derived factors act on bone components, leading to subsequent bone resorption or excessive bone formation. The various pathways involved also provide multiple targets for therapeutic strategies against bone metastases. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the mechanism of bone metastases. Based on the general process of bone metastases, we specifically highlight the complex crosstalk between tumor cells and the bone microenvironment and the current management of cancer bone metastases.

Severe Bilateral Breast Mucinous Carcinoma with Bilateral Lungs and Cutaneous Metastasis: A Case Report and Literature Review

The case of a female who had severe, rare, terminal breast mucinous carcinoma (BMC) and failed to receive surgery and chemotherapy was reported. The patient was diagnosed with pure BMC (ER++, PR++, CerbB-2−, and Ki-67 10%) accompanied with bilateral lungs, bilateral chest walls with skin ulcer (D = 14 cm), lymph nodes of bilateral armpits, and right supraclavicular metastases. ECOG (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group) and NRS (Numeric Rating Scale) pain scores were 4 and 6, respectively. Because the patient refused traditional chemotherapy and radiotherapy on religious grounds, an herbal medicine containing Panax ginseng, Agrimonia pilosa, and white flower Patrinia herb was administered; extensive nursing for tumor debridement was also provided. Quality of Life (QOL) improved and pain reduced. Tumor-bearing survival time was prolonged. The present case dictates that herbal extract medicines and supportive treatment can be helpful for uncommon severe BMC as an appropriate alternative treatment.

Generation of a co-culture cell micropattern model to simulate lung cancer bone metastasis for anti-cancer drug evaluation

A549/OB co-culture micropattern was fabricated through μ-eraser strategy to mimic lung cancer bone metastasis for DOX efficacy evaluation.