Efficacy and mechanism of action of etanercept in bone cancer pain.

Abstract

Bone cancer pain treatment remains a major clinical challenge, and the mechanism underlying bone cancer pain remains insufficiently understood. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the efficacy of etanercept, a TNF- inhibitor, against bone cancer pain in an established bone cancer pain model. The mechanical pain threshold value was tested, and the expression of inflammatory factors, NOS, MrgC and NR2B were assessed. The results showed that etanercept decreases the mechanical pain threshold value and inhibits expression of inflammatory factors, NOS, MrgC and NR2B. Etanercept may moderate bone cancer pain via the MrgC-NR2B signaling pathway.