What treatments are available for breast cancer that has spread to the bones?
We consider treatment based on the cancer cells. It could be hormonal, chemo or biological—herceptin or lapatinib—depending on the tumor type and the woman’s symptoms. However, bisphosphonates, which are given for bone health, have been shown to decrease the risk of pain and fracture, so these are often given to women with cancer in the bones.
We consider treatment based on the cancer cells. It could be hormonal, chemo or biological—herceptin or lapatinib—depending on the tumor type and the woman’s symptoms. However, bisphosphonates, which are given for bone health, have been shown to decrease the risk of pain and fracture, so these are often given to women with cancer in the bones. Is there any new research that is promising for women who have breast cancer in their bones? Yes. We are looking at ways to decrease spread to the bones using the bisphosphonates in early-stage breast cancer to see if these agents will prevent bone metastasis in the first place. There are also other agents targeting bone-specific metastases in development. Laboratory researchers are also looking for what it is in cancer cells that predisposes a cancer cell to go to the bones. We should learn even more about this in the coming years. What can you say about survival prospects for a woman whose breast cancer has spread to her bones? Metastatic cance
