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Medication for Metastatic Bone Disease

Metastatic bone cancer indicates a cancer from a different part of the body has spread to the bones. The most common sites include the spine, hip, femur, humerus, ribs and skull. Several different types of medications can address various complications of metastatic bone disease. The American Cancer Society offers the following information regarding medication for metastatic bone disease.

  1. Pain Medication

    • Metastatic bone cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer pain. Doctors typically recommend starting off with a combination of non-prescription treatments. If these do not work, you can take opioids like codeine, hydrocodone, morphine and oxycodone. Doctors consider opioids the most effective treatment for cancer pain.

    Improving Bone Health

    • Bone tumors weaken the bones and increase the risk of fractures. A class of drugs called biophosponates not only strengthens bones but reduces calcium buildup in the blood, reduces pain and slows the progression of bone damage. Examples include Fosamax and Boniva. Typically, you receive IV treatments every three to four weeks.

    Radiopharmaceuticals

    • If your cancer has spread to several bones, radiopharmaceuticals might be an option. These intravenous medications contain radioactive elements that work in the same way as external radiation therapy. A one-time treatment can ease pain up to one year; you can get repeat treatment, but in many cases, they are not as effective as the first.

    Chemotherapy

    • Chemotherapy travels through the whole bloodstream attacking cancerous cells anywhere they might be present. It can shrink bone tumors and ease pain and other symptoms. The type of chemotherapy you receive depends on the primary cancer and what other chemotherapy treatments you might have already undergone.

    Other Medications

    • If your bone cancer stems from a hormone-dependent cancer like prostate or breast cancer, you might receive hormone therapies that slow tumor growth by blocking production of hormones that trigger them. Immunotherapy medications help the immune system attack cancer-causing cells.

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