The pharmacological management of skeletal-related events from metastatic tumors.

Bone is one of the most common sites of metastatic disease from cancer, affecting around 400,000 patients each year. Skeletal-related events (SRE) include hypercalcemia, fractures, spinal cord compression or severe bone pain and may occur as a complication of metastasis. Bisphosphonate therapy is crucial in the prevention and treatment of SREs; zoledronic acid and pamidronate have both been shown to significantly reduce the development of SREs. Other agents such as corticosteroids and analgesics are also used in symptomatic management. The use of these agents in conjunction with radiation and surgery can help to improve patient outcomes.