The function of OPG/RANKL/RANK system in tumor bone metastasis

Tumor bone metastasis is one of the main causes of treatment failure in tumor. Since tumor bone metastasis is a complex process, the exact etiopathogenesis of tumor bone metastasis has not been clarified. Recent studies demonstrated that osteoprotegerin/receptor activator of NF-κB ligand/receptor activator of NF-κB (OPG/RANKL/RANK) system plays an important role during the development and progression of tumor bone metastasis. In this review, the research progress of OPG/RANKL/RANK system, including biological functions,the bone microenvironment regulation, the detection method,the diagnosis and treatment of tumor will be summerized. Key words: Neoplasm metastasis; Bone neoplasms; Osteoprotegerin; RANK Ligand; Receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B