[Study on prognostic factors in bone metastases of breast cancer]

In order to assess the prognosis of breast cancer patients with bone metastases, a comprehensive imaging of the skeleton was studied. A total of 256 positive bone scans from 94 patients was analyzed to institute a new staging system of bone metastases and to identify characteristic presentations of their prognosis. The correlation between the image characteristics and the survival was examined.

1) The extent of tumor spread on the bone scan was classified into the following three stages: stage 1 (confined to lumbar spine, thoracic spine or ribs), stage 2 (expanded into pelvis, skull, cervical spine or sternum) and stage 3 (expanded further into other areas). 2) Presence of vital system metastases, extent of tumor spread as reflected in the stage, progression of tumor spread on the serial bone scans and radiographic evidence of osteosclerosis were proved to determine prognosis. An appropriate management of orthopedic complications taking these factors into consideration is required.