[Treatment of bone metastases]

Treatment of bone metastases differs depending on whether the original cancer was diagnosed, whether it is hormone sensitive or chemosensitive, whether metastases are exclusively found in bones and thus unique, or multiple, whether they also occur in viscera and depending on the diathesis. In the last few years, treatment has benefited from a better knowledge of the efficacy of bisphosphonates, radioisotopes, percutaneous vertebroplasty and the development of new hormone therapies and chemotherapies. Given the uncertain life prognosis in the short or longer term, it remains true that cautious use of these methods is essential to reduce as far as possible the number and duration of hospitalizations.