Skeletal effects of carcinoma of the breast and prostate.

Recent research has led to improved understanding of the pathology of skeletal metastases in carcinoma of the breast and prostate. Several humoral mechanisms have been identified which have both primary and secondary consequences on skeletal metabolism and probably depend on the complex interplay of a number of factors derived from tumour tissues. An improved understanding of these interactions may lead to new approaches in the management of these common disorders.