We don’t talk anymore : disruptions to the lacunocanalicular network in prostate cancer bone metastasis

Naomi Jung was a finalist in the 2025 UBC Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition. Naomi presented her research, “We Don’t Talk Anymore: Disruptions to the Lacunocanalicular Network in Prostate Cancer Bone Metastasis.” This research investigates how prostate cancer metastasis disrupts the bone’s internal cellular network, particularly the canaliculi that enable communication between bone cells. Using advanced imaging and AI, the study reveals that metastasis leads to a disorganized network, impairing bone remodeling and increasing fracture risk—insights that could inform future treatments to protect bone health in cancer patients. Naomi Jung is completing her MSc in Experimental Medicine in the Department of Medicine under the supervision of Dr. Michael Cox.