Targeting receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B as a new therapy for bone metastasis in non-small cell lung cancer

Purpose of review The review aims at comprehensively discussing our current knowledge on bone metastases incidence in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), their related complications as well as clinical impact in patients suffering from advanced disease. Recent findings After evoking the use of zoledronic acid as the established standard of care until recently, the new class of drugs available to prevent skeletal related events and targeting receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B (RANK) will be emphasized, reporting on denosumab clinical trials, a RANK-ligand (RANKL) targeting monoclonal antibody. Biological hypothesis regarding their mechanisms of action as well a potential direct impact on tumor cells are described according to the most recent laboratory as well as hypothesis generating clinical data. Summary Targeting the RANK pathway is an efficient way to prevent complications of bone metastases in NSCLC. Interesting additional direct effects on tumor biology and evolution are being analyzed and prospectively assessed in clinical trials.