Grant: Operating Grant

Many malignant cancers (for example breast, lung, and prostate cancer) can spread (metastasize) from their site of origin. A very common site of this spread is to the bone. The spine is the most common bone tissue affected. Metastatic disease in the bony spine (vertebrae) can present as bone destroying (osteolytic), bone forming (osteoblastic) or as a mixture of the two (mixed). Diseased vertebrae can cause pain and have an increased risk of breaking (fracture), impacting physical mobility. We aim to understand the differences that exist in the quality of bone affected by metastatic cancer (including tissue level material changes) in order to develop better computer based / imaging methods that can accurately identify the initiation of damage in bone and its progression to fracture. This research will determine the complex behaviour of cancer spread in the bony spine using state-of-the-art medical imaging, experimental and computational methods. The ability to accurately determine the structural integrity of the metatstatic spine will provide an important foundation on which improve diagnosis. As well this information will provide focus to the development and evaluation of targeted local (i.e. minimally invasive therapies) and systemic treatments with respect to their effects on bone tissue. This research will ultimately help Canadians through better understanding of the essential changes in bone due to cancer that have the greatest effect on spinal stability and the risk of vertebral fracture and direct us in developing and better assessing the potential of new and existing therapies for bone metastases.