Breast Cancer Bone Metastases

Invasive breast carcinoma is the most common cancer diagnosed in the United States and the western world. The bone is the most common site of metastatic involvement, which may lead to considerable pain and morbidity. Skeletal-related events quantify the morbidity of bony metastasis and include pathologic fracture, spinal cord compression, or the need for radiation or surgery for bony metastasis. Some studies included hypercalcemia of malignancy as part of skeletal related events. Treatment of metastatic bone metastasis involves multimodality care, including appropriate systemic therapy, osteoclasts inhibitors, potential local therapy with orthopedic surgery or radiation therapy, and adequate analgesia. Advances in all modalities, particularly systemic therapy, have improved outcomes in metastatic breast cancer and underscores the importance of local therapy to decrease morbidity and improve quality of life.