Advancements in Suppression of Osteosarcoma Tumorigenicity: A Prospective Look

Abstract

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) promote differentiation of stem cells into bone cells. Results from our pilot studies indicate these proteins are also capable of inducing the differentiation of stem-like cells that initiate and propagate osteosarcoma, a rare, highly malignant primary bone tumor affecting primarily children and adolescents. Our plans to evaluate the use of BMP as adjuvant therapy to suppress bone tumor while facilitating skeletal reconstruction are reviewed.