Bone Oncology—An emerging multi-disciplinary specialty

The skeleton and bone marrowmicroenvironment within bone acts as a critical organ for the development and spread of metastatic cancer. Bone metastases are common and have major impact on the physical function and quality of life of cancer patients. Over the last decade, as our understanding of the processes involved in metastasis has increased, it has become clear that bone marrow derived stem cells are intimately involved in the development of metastases both within and outside bone, and interactions between cancer and bone cells underpin the development of skeletal metastases. Additionally, as survival in many cancers improves, the long-term effects of treatment on bone health are of increasing importance. Coupled with the increasing recognition of the biological and clinical importance of the skeleton in the outcomes for cancer patients, rapid developments in bone targeted treatments, skeletal imaging and bone biomarkers have occurred. The therapeutic advances, notably bisphosphonates and denosumab, have had a profoundly positive effect on the care of patients with advanced malignancy and may have an important role in modifying the clinical course of certain cancers, especially those arising in the breast and prostate as well as for patients with multiple myeloma. Consequently, bone oncology has emerged as a new discipline and, in recognition of this, a new journal that brings together all aspects of the biology and clinical management of bone disease in cancer patients has been created. The Journal of Bone Oncology is a peer-reviewed international journal aimed at presenting basic, translational and clinical highquality research related to bone and cancer. As the first journal dedicated to cancer induced bone diseases, we believe it fills an important gap in the available literature that adequately addresses this important research area and are very excited to have the enthusiastic support of a world class international editorial board. The areas covered by the journal include: