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Checkpoint Inhibitors in Bone Metastatic Disease in Solid Tumors

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Bone is a common site of metastatic spread for solid tumors. Bone as an organ serves unique roles in the body’s structural integrity, hematopoiesis, and the development of immune modulating cells. With the increasing use of immunotherapy, specifically immune checkpoint inhibitors, understanding the response of bone metastases is necessary.

Recent Findings

The data on checkpoint inhibitors used for managing solid tumors are reviewed here with a focus on bone metastases. Albeit with limited available data, there is a trend toward poorer outcomes in this setting, presumably due to the unique immune microenvironment within bone and bone marrow.

Summary

Despite the potential to improve cancer outcomes with use of ICIs, bone metastases remain challenging to manage and may have different responses to ICIs than other disease sites. Areas for future investigation include a nuanced understanding of the bone microenvironment and dedicated research aimed at specific bone metastases outcomes.

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  1. Division of Hematology Oncology, University of Michigan, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA

    Victoria Wytiaz & Catherine Van Poznak

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  1. Victoria Wytiaz
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Correspondence to Victoria Wytiaz.

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Wytiaz, V., Van Poznak, C. Checkpoint Inhibitors in Bone Metastatic Disease in Solid Tumors. Curr Osteoporos Rep 21, 323–329 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11914-023-00798-3

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