Metastatic Bone Cancer Treatment

Metastatic tumors form in bones after spreading from primary sites. Secondary bone cancer is the third most common type of cancer. Carcinomas, which form from epithelial cells, are more likely to metastasize to bone than sarcomas (soft-tissue cancers). When the tumor spreads to bones, it is still classified as the original type of cancer with bone metastases (e.g. prostate cancer with bone metastases).

Systemic Treatments

• The type of treatment for metastatic bone cancer depends on several things, including age, physical health, the type of cancer cells, its location and how many bones are affected. Systemic treatments are usually chosen. These include chemotherapy and hormones taken orally and/or intravenously. Oncologists often pair these treatments with bisphosphonates to strengthen the bone and prevent the risk of fracture.

Local Treatments

• Local treatments focus on one specific area at a time. Radiofrequency ablation is a local treatment, directed at the site of the tumor in one bone. Other local treatments address reinforcing bones likely to fracture. This is done by injecting bone glue into the weakened area. Sometimes, surgery is required to remove or reinforce a section of bone with steel rods, plates and screws.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine

• Complementary treatments can be used with conventional treatments and usually function to ease side effects of chemotherapy or radiation. Alternative medicine is used exclusive of conventional medicine. CAM treatments might include nutrition therapy, mediation, visualization and massage for relaxation. Herbs can reduce nausea, strengthen the immune system, attack cancer cells, and protect the heart and other organs from damage due to chemotherapy.