Figure 1
Tumour cell interactions with the bone microenvironment and the effect of endocrine hormones. Tumour cells home to vascular areas within bone interact with bone cells and can enter a state of dormancy/quiescence for many years before growth. They are in close contact with bone and are thought to occupy the HSC niches. Following unknown triggers, the tumour cells regain the ability to proliferate and ultimately form bone metastases or spread to other metastatic sites. The table provides a brief overview of the influence of endocrine hormones on bone cells involved in the metastatic niche.
