Stem Cells May Play a Role in Breast Cancer Metastasis to the Bone

Newswise — Breast cancer metastasis to the bone is the leading cause of breast cancer mortality and results in a variety of painful complications that significantly affect patient quality of life. There are currently no effective therapies for the prevention or treatment of breast cancer bone metastases. Adult stem cells found in bone marrow may play a role in attracting breast cancer cells to the bone and then help to create a fertile environment for the cells to grow and multiply. Brian Rowan, associate professor of structural and cellular biology at Tulane University School of Medicine, is collaborating with colleagues at the Louisiana Gene Therapy Consortium to explore the role of adult bone marrow stem cells in breast cancer metastasis to the bone.