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RANK Ligand: Effects of Inhibition

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Abstract

Receptor activator of nuclear factor κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B-cells (RANK) and its ligand (RANKL) belong to the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily. RANK mRNA is expressed widely in bone and bone marrow. It has a significant role in stimulating osteoclast differentiation and maturation, and also in preventing apoptosis. Because osteoclast activity is an important aspect of bone resorption in malignancy, targeting these cells is a good rationale for preventing skeletal-related events in malignancies. Preclinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of denosumab in preventing bone loss in mice and improving bone mineral density. Denosumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody against RANKL, which has been shown to be effective in reducing signaling via RANK and thus osteoclast activity. It has been demonstrated in large, randomized, phase 3 studies to be effective in preventing fractures and bone loss, and improving the bone mineral density in various cancerous and noncancerous settings. This article reviews the latest evidence of RANKL inhibition and its clinical implications.

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Disclosure

Dr. Bukowski has been a consultant for Novartis and Amgen. He has also been a speaker for and received honoraria from Novartis.

No further potential conflicts of interest relevant to this article were reported.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Cancer Therapy and Research Center, University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Zeller 4th Floor, 7979 Wurzbach Road, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA

    Saby George, Andrew Brenner, John Sarantopoulos & Ronald M. Bukowski

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  1. Saby George
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  2. Andrew Brenner
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  3. John Sarantopoulos
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  4. Ronald M. Bukowski
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Correspondence to Saby George.

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George, S., Brenner, A., Sarantopoulos, J. et al. RANK Ligand: Effects of Inhibition. Curr Oncol Rep 12, 80–86 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11912-010-0088-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11912-010-0088-1

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