Laboratory of Musculoskeletal Oncology

The Laboratory of Musculoskeletal Oncology functions as part of a broad institutional commitment towards developing new treatment strategies for sarcomas. More specifically, we aim to develop animal models that reproduce specific molecular and pathophysiologic features of human bone and soft-tissue sarcomas that can be used to test emerging diagnostic and therapeutic technologies. We are particularly interested in the mechanisms of communication between primary bone sarcomas and myeloid-lineage cells as targets for therapy. Tumor-related bone destruction is mediated through osteoclast formation and can cause pain, pathologic fracture, and progression of disease. Interrupting the process of bone destruction has great potential to reduce morbidity and, perhaps, improve patient survival.