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Breast Cancer Research
Published in: Breast Cancer Research 1/2022

Open Access 01-12-2022 | Sarcopenia | Review

The bone–muscle connection in breast cancer: implications and therapeutic strategies to preserve musculoskeletal health

Authors: Tarah J. Ballinger, William R. Thompson, Theresa A. Guise

Published in: Breast Cancer Research | Issue 1/2022

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Abstract

Breast cancer and its therapies frequently result in significant musculoskeletal morbidity. Skeletal complications include bone metastases, pain, bone loss, osteoporosis, and fracture. In addition, muscle loss or weakness occurring in both the metastatic and curative setting is becoming increasingly recognized as systemic complications of disease and treatment, impacting quality of life, responsiveness to therapy, and survival. While the anatomical relationship between bone and muscle is well established, emerging research has led to new insights into the biochemical and molecular crosstalk between the skeletal and muscular systems. Here, we review the importance of both skeletal and muscular health in breast cancer, the significance of crosstalk between bone and muscle, and the influence of mechanical signals on this relationship. Therapeutic exploitation of signaling between bone and muscle has great potential to prevent the full spectrum of musculoskeletal complications across the continuum of breast cancer.
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Metadata
Title
The bone–muscle connection in breast cancer: implications and therapeutic strategies to preserve musculoskeletal health
Authors
Tarah J. Ballinger
William R. Thompson
Theresa A. Guise
Publication date
01-12-2022
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Breast Cancer Research / Issue 1/2022
Electronic ISSN: 1465-542X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13058-022-01576-2

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