Proteases as modulators of tumor–stromal interaction: Primary tumors to bone metastases

As cells undergo oncogenic transformation and as malignant cells arrive at metastatic sites, a complex interplay occurs with the surrounding stroma. This dialogue between the tumor and stroma ultimately dictates the success of the tumor cells in the given microenvironment. As a result, understanding the molecular mechanisms at work is important for developing new therapeutic modalities. Proteases are major players in the interaction between tumor and stroma. This review will focus on the role of proteases in modulating tumor–stromal interactions of both primary breast and prostate tumors as well as at bone metastatic sites in a way that favors tumor growth.