[Management of bone metastases from breast cancer]

Bone is the most common of breast cancer metastasis. Bone metastasis causes skeletal-related events(SREs), including pain, bone fractures, spinal cord compression, and hypercalcemia. SREs significantly impair patients' quality of life. The main purpose of treatment for bone metastasis is to prevent or delay SREs and to improve patients' quality of life. Accurate diagnosis of bone metastases is important in order to choose an appropriate treatment. Treatment of bone metastasis requires a multidisciplinary approach. Analgesic medication with NSAIDs and opioids is the first choice for pain control. In addition to bisphosphonate, the receptor activator of the nuclear factor κB ligand(RANKL)inhibitor, denosumab is a novel bone-targeting agent effective in preventing SREs. Prophylactic stabilization of impending fractures provides several advantages compared with fixation of an acute fracture, in terms of short hospitalization and a quick return to baseline. In general, radiation therapy is indicated for patients for whom surgery is suitable. Radiation therapy to palliate pain from bone metastasis can reduce the intake of analgesic medications. Local radiation therapy is indicated for a limited number of bone metastases, and systemic radionuclide therapy is appropriate for multiple lesions. In summary, treatment using these modalities for bone metastasis from breast cancer should be stratified, considering the symptoms, site of bone metastasis, and patients' life expectancy and performance status.