Tissue Engineered Models to Study Bone Metastasis and Metastatic Bone Disease

Metastatic bone disease (MBD) is a common complication of cancer, which leads to an increased risk of mortality and morbidity [1, 2]. It is estimated that 350,000 people die annually as a result of bone metastasis in the United States [3]. Survival rates of MBD are generally low but vary depending on the primary cancer site. Primary breast, lung, and prostate cancer account for 70% of MBD cases [4]. Additionally, the economic burden for patients with MBD is estimated at $12.6 billion annually in the United States, accounting for 17% of the total direct medical costs [5]. As the global population continues to age, MBD rates are expected to increase, resulting in greater economic burden, lower survival rates, and worse clinical outcomes as resources for treatment become strained. Therefore, there is a direct need for improved clinical treatment to enhance survival rates and improve outcomes.