What medication is used to treat bone metastases?

It is important to keep in mind that treatment of bone metastases is not curative. Bisphosphonates can be given either orally (by mouth) or intravenously (IV). The two most commonly used in cancer care are pamidronate (Aredia) and zoledronic acid (Zometa).

How long can you live with bone metastases?

Most patients with metastatic bone disease survive for 6-48 months.

Which drug class is most likely to treat pain related to bone metastases?

If you’re taking medications but still experiencing pain, tell your doctor. A pain specialist may be able to offer additional pain-relieving options. Steroids. Medications known as steroids can often help to relieve pain associated with bone metastases by decreasing swelling and inflammation around the sites of cancer.

Can you recover from bone metastases?

Many different treatments can help if your cancer has spread to bone, commonly called bone metastasis or bone “mets.” Treatment can’t cure bone metastasis, but it can relieve pain, help prevent complications, and improve your quality of life.

What causes death from bone metastasis?

Abstract. Bone metastases contribute substantially to morbidity and mortality in patients with advanced-stage cancers. The metastatic bone disease is driven by tumor cells, which alter the functions of bone-resorbing (osteoclasts) and bone-forming (osteoblasts) cells, promoting skeletal destruction.

What bone metastasis feels like?

Bone pain. This is the most common symptom of bone metastases. The pain may be dull and achy or sharp with a sudden onset.

Why can’t bone metastases heal?

It causes pain and makes bones more likely to break. It can also lead to problems with calcium balance in the body or nerve damage if the cancer causes the bone to press on the spinal cord. There’s no cure, but treatment can help prevent or slow the spread and help relieve accompanying symptoms.