In men, prostate cancer is the most common non-cutaneous malignancy and the second most common cause of cancer death.
Skeletal complications occur at various points during the disease course, either due to bone metastases directly, or as an unintended consequence of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Bone metastases are associated with pathologic fractures, spinal cord compression, and bone pain and can require narcotics or palliative radiation for pain relief. ADT results in bone loss and fragility fractures. This review describes the biology of bone metastases, skeletal morbidity, and recent advances in bone-targeted therapies to prevent skeletal complications of prostate cancer.
Written by:
Morgans AK, Smith MR. Are you the author?
Department of Hematology/Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
Reference: Urol Clin North Am. 2012 Nov;39(4):533-46.
doi: 10.1016/j.ucl.2012.07.009
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 23084529
UroToday.com Prostate Cancer Section
