Publication at First Faculty of Medicine |
2013
Abstract
Bones are frequently affected by metastatic solid tumours. Bone metastases are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, because their presence increases the risk of pain and pathologic fractures.
The aim of bone-directed therapies is to prevent these severe consequences.The options include both local treatments such as surgery and radiotherapy and systemic therapy using bisphosphonates or denosumab. These agents target osteoclasts, interrupting the vicious circle of bone resorption and tumour growth.
However, patients undergoing long-term treatment with bone-directed agents are at risk of speciffic complications such as osteonecrosis of the jaw and preventative strategies need be implemented to limit their occurrence.