Conclusion: Bone markers in metastatic bone disease.

Bone metastases occur frequently in patients with multiple myeloma and breast, prostate, and lung cancer. Presence of metastatic bone disease (MBD) is correlated with abnormal bone remodelling, as high levels of biochemical markers of bone turnover can be detected in serum or urine from patients with these malignancies. The idea of using bone markers in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with MBD is undergoing validation and gaining acceptance. In this conclusion, we summarise data from leading studies relating to the search for useful markers of bone resorption and bone formation in MBD.