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Updated: Jul 6, 2026

Models of Bone Metastasis
Published on: September 4, 2012
Pharmacotherapy of bone metastases in breast cancer patients
Bianca Petrut1, Christine Simmons, Reuben Broom
1Resident, Internal Medicine University of Toronto, Department of Medicine, 190 Elizabeth Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5G2C4, Canada.
Abstract:
A diagnosis of bone metastases is often a devastating occurrence in breast cancer patients. Bone metastases are associated with increased morbidity as reflected through pain, reduced quality of life and skeletal-related events. This paper reviews the role of different pharmacotherapeutic agents in the treatment of bone metastases from breast cancer. Randomised controlled trials of osteoclast-inhibiting agents, that is the bisphosphonates, have shown significant patient benefit. The aims of bisphosphonates are to prevent and delay skeletal-related events, reduce bone pain and improve quality of life. However, there are some limitations with bisphosphonate treatment. Biochemical markers of bone turnover seem to be a promising tool in guiding bisphosphonate treatment and future research directions. Hopefully, patient management will be further improved as new agents become available such as denosumab, osteoprotegerin analogues and anti-angiogenic agents.
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