Sclerostin: an Emerging Target for the Treatment of Cancer-Induced Bone Disease

Abstract

Purpose of Review This review provides a summary of the current knowledge on Sost/sclerostin in cancers targeting the bone, discusses novel observations regarding its potential as a therapeutic approach to treat cancer-induced bone loss, and proposes future research needed to fully understand the potential of therapeutic approaches that modulate sclerostin function. Recent Findings Accumulating evidence shows that sclerostin expression is dysregulated in a number of cancers that target the bone. Further, new findings demonstrate that pharmacological inhibition of sclerostin in preclinical models of multiple myeloma results in a robust prevention of bone loss and preservation of bone strength, without apparent effects on tumor growth. These data raise the possibility of targeting sclerostin for the treatment of cancer patients with bone metastasis. Summary Sclerostin is emerging as a valuable target to prevent the bone destruction that accompanies the growth of cancer cells in the bone. Further studies will focus on combining anti-sclerostin therapy with tumor-targeted agents to achieve both beneficial skeletal outcomes and inhibition of tumor progression.