Role of prostate and bone stromal cells on prostate cancer progression.

Abstract

Prostate cancer is a highly heterogeneous disease, often manifesting in a metastatic form to the bone. Complex tumour cells and surrounding microenvironment interactions are important determinants of disease progression and therapy resistance. Here, we provide an overview of some of the early studies that recognized the pro-tumourigenic role of prostate stroma, particularly fibroblasts, bone stromal components, and its permissive tumour properties. This article is written in memory of Prof. Dr LWK Chung and his contributions. Prostate and bone metastasis stroma concepts emerging from his work are now more actively being pursued by the authors of this article and others in the field.