New insights of nociceptor sensitization in bone cancer pain

Abstract

Introduction: Numerous studies have shown that an intact CNS is required for the conscious perception of cancer-induced bone pain (CIBP) and that changes in the CNS are clearly evident. Accordingly, the blockage of nociceptive stimulus into the CNS can effectively relieve or markedly attenuate CIBP, revealing the clinical implication of the blockage of ongoing peripheral inputs for the control of CIBP.

Areas covered: In this review, the heterogeneity and excitability of nociceptors in bone are covered. Furthermore, their role in initiating and maintaining CIBP is also described.

Expert opinion: Developing mechanistic therapies to treat CIBP is a challenge, but they have the potential to fundamentally change our ability to effectively block/relieve CIBP and increase the functional status and quality of life of patients with bone metastasis. Further studies are desperately needed at both the preclinical and clinical levels to determine whether the targets as mentioned in this review are viable and feasible for patient populations.

Keywords:

• cancer-induced bone pain
• cytokines receptor
• G protein-coupled receptors
• ion channels
• neurotrophin receptor
• nociceptor sensitization

Acknowledgement

B Hua and Y Gao contributed equally to this work.

Declaration of interest

The current work was supported by National Natural Science Foundation Project of China (no. 81302961 and no. 81273718). The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

Notes

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