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Review
. 2013 Sep 24;2(3):151-75.
doi: 10.3390/jcm2030151.

Prevention and Treatment of Bone Metastases in Breast Cancer

Ripamonti Carla  1 , Trippa Fabio  2 , Barone Gloria  3 , Maranzano Ernesto  4
Affiliations
Review

Prevention and Treatment of Bone Metastases in Breast Cancer

Ripamonti Carla et al. J Clin Med. .

Abstract

In breast cancer patients, bone is the most common site of metastases. Medical therapies are the basic therapy to prevent distant metastases and recurrence and to cure them. Radiotherapy has a primary role in pain relief, recalcification and stabilization of the bone, as well as the reduction of the risk of complications (e.g., bone fractures, spinal cord compression). Bisphosphonates, as potent inhibitors of osteoclastic-mediated bone resorption are a well-established, standard-of-care treatment option to reduce the frequency, severity and time of onset of the skeletal related events in breast cancer patients with bone metastases. Moreover bisphosphonates prevent cancer treatment-induced bone loss. Recent data shows the anti-tumor activity of bisphosphonates, in particular, in postmenopausal women and in older premenopausal women with hormone-sensitive disease treated with ovarian suppression. Pain is the most frequent symptom reported in patients with bone metastases, and its prevention and treatment must be considered at any stage of the disease. The prevention and treatment of bone metastases in breast cancer must consider an integrated multidisciplinary approach.

Keywords: bisphosphonates; bone metastases; bone pain relief; breast cancer; chemotherapy; endocrine therapy; radiotherapy.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Standard X-ray examples of bone changes detectable in women with breast cancer: Osteoporosis of head femoral areas (a), pathological fracture of proximal third of the right humerus due to a large lytic lesion (b) and blastic bone infiltration of right hemipelvis (c).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Treatment of pain due to bone metastases.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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