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. 2013 Oct 3;2(4):137-44.
doi: 10.1016/j.jbo.2013.09.001. eCollection 2013 Dec.

Incidence, consequences and treatment of bone metastases in breast cancer patients-Experience from a single cancer centre

I Kuchuk  1 , B Hutton  2 , P Moretto  1 , T Ng  3 , C L Addison  4 , M Clemons  5
Affiliations

Incidence, consequences and treatment of bone metastases in breast cancer patients-Experience from a single cancer centre

I Kuchuk et al. J Bone Oncol. .

Abstract

Background: There is a paucity of literature about the benefits of bone-targeted agents for breast cancer patients with bone metastases treated in the non-trial setting. We explored the incidence, consequences, and treatment of bone metastases at a single cancer centre.

Methods: Electronic records of metastatic breast cancer patients were reviewed and pertinent information was extracted.

Results: Of 264 metastatic breast cancer patients, 195 (73%) developed bone metastases. Of these patients, 176 were eligible for analysis. Median age at bone metastases diagnosis was 56.9 years (IQR 48-67) and initial presentation of bone metastases included asymptomatic radiological findings (58%), bone pain (40%), or a SRE (12.5%). Most patients (88%) received a bone-targeted agent, starting a median of 1.5 months (IQR 0.8-3.30) after bone metastasis diagnosis. 62% of patients had ≥1 SRE. The median time from bone metastasis diagnosis to first SRE was 1.8 months (IQR 0.20-8.43 months). Median number of SREs per patient was 1.5 (IQR 0-3). Overall, 26.8% of all SREs were clinically asymptomatic. Within the entire cohort, 51% required opioids and 20% were hospitalized due to either an SRE or bone pain.

Conclusions: Despite extensive use of bone-targeted agents, the incidence of SREs remains high. Nearly half of SREs occur prior to starting a bone-targeted agent. Use of opioids and hospitalizations secondary to bone metastases remain common. More effective treatment options are clearly needed.

Keywords: Bone metastases; Bone targeted agents; Breast cancer; Pain; Skeletal related events.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Bone metastases distribution.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Kaplan–Meier curve for survival of patients from time of diagnosis of bone metastases.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Time to first SRE from diagnosis of bone metastases (n=110 patients).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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