Bone metastasis in breast cancer

摘要

The occurrence of bone metastases is a catastrophic event for breast cancer patients. Bone metastases are not only a sign of the incurability of the disease but also associated with typical complications which considerably limit the quality of life of the patient: bone pain, pathological fractures, and spinal cord compression syndromes, among others. Women with bone metastases nevertheless have long survival times, particularly if no visceral metastases are present. This means that within the course of the disease patient as well as therapist are confronted with new complications again and again. Besides the treatment of these complications their avoidance is the most important goal. There is a broad armamentarium of local and systemic treatment options for bone metastases. It is of great importance that the therapist is familiar with all possibilities and choses the right treatment for the patient at the time. Chemo-and endocrine therapies, antibodies, small molecules, osteo-pro'tective substances (bisphosphonates and denosumab) are part of the systemic options.