Radio-chemotherapeutic management of bone diffusion from breast carcinoma

A combined modality therapy (irradiation plus low-dose Adriamycin and Cyclophosphamide) was delivered to 41 patient affected by extensive bone diffusion from breast carcinoma. A 36% (15/41) objective response rate was obtained, no change was also detectable in 36%, while progressive disease in 28% (11/41). A subjective response was achieved in 37/41 patients, i.e. 90%. The Authors remark the difficulties in evaluating the objective response of metastatic bone to therapy and confirm the keystone role of radiation therapy in the palliative treatment of breast cancer skeletal diffusion.