The molecular signature of breast cancer metastasis to bone.

Distant metastasis during the advanced stage of malignant tumor progression can cause considerable morbidity in cancer patients. Bone is known to be one of the most common sites of distant metastasis in patients with breast cancer (BC). BC metastases in bone are associated with excessive skeletal complications. These complications can be fatal and reduce quality of life of patients. It is important to understand the metastatic process of BC to bone to improve quality of life and design new therapeutic methods. At present, the molecular mechanisms leading to the BC metastasis to bone are not fully understood. Studying the molecular basis of BC metastasis to bone might improve our insight into this complex process. In addition, it can provide novel approaches for designing advanced and effective targeted therapies. The present article aimed to review the published papers on the molecular basis of the metastatic process of BC to bone, focusing on involved genes and signaling networks. Furthermore, we propose potential therapeutic targets that may be more effective for the inhibition and treatment of BC metastasis to bone.

Investigating the Frequency of the ERCC1 Gene C8092A Polymorphism in Iranian Patients with Advanced Gastric Cancer Receiving Platinum-based Chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Platinum compounds are the main drugs for treatment of advanced gastric cancer. Previous studies have shown that clinical outcome with platinum-based compounds depends on ERCC1 polymorphisms. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of a common polymorphism of ERCC1 gene (C8092A) in Iranian patients with advanced gastric cancer receiving platinum chemotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Genetic analysis of the ERCC1 C8092A polymorphism was performed by the PCR - RFLP method using 50 paraffin-embedded tissue specimens. RESULTS: Of the 50 cases, 32% of individuals showed CC genotype, 24% of them had CA genotype and 44% of patients had AA genotype. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results, using of platinum-based chemotherapy would be expected to be specifically beneficial in only 32% of patients.