Is Stage 4 bone cancer treatable?

Stage 4 bone cancer is generally considered incurable. This means that treatments may be able to slow the growth or spread of the cancer and lessen symptoms, but they cannot be expected to completely eliminate the cancer.

In some cases, localized stage 4 bone cancer may be treatable with surgery. This involves surgically removing the tumor and surrounding bone. Surgery may be an option for people who are in good general health and whose tumors are located in a place that can be safely removed.

Other treatment options for stage 4 bone cancer may include:

- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a type of drug treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be given intravenously (IV), meaning through a vein, or it may be taken in pill form.

- Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy is a type of treatment that uses high-powered X-rays to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy may be given externally, meaning from outside the body, or it may be given internally, meaning from inside the body.

- Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy is a newer type of treatment that uses drugs that target specific molecules involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. Targeted therapy may be an option for people whose cancer cells have certain mutations.

- Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that helps the body's own immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. Immunotherapy may be an option for people whose cancer cells have certain markers.

- Palliative care: Palliative care is a type of care that is focused on relieving the symptoms of cancer and improving quality of life. Palliative care may be given in addition to other treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy.