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Pharmacotherapy of bone metastases in breast cancer patients

A diagnosis of bone metastases is often a devastating occurrence in breast cancer patients. Bone metastases are associated with increased morbidity as reflected through pain, reduced quality of life and skeletal-related events. This paper reviews the role of different pharmacotherapeutic agents in the treatment of bone metastases from breast cancer. Randomised controlled trials of osteoclast-inhibiting agents, that is the bisphosphonates, have shown significant patient benefit. The aims of bisphosphonates are to prevent and delay skeletal-related events, reduce bone pain and improve quality of life. However, there are some limitations with bisphosphonate treatment. Biochemical markers of bone turnover seem to be a promising tool in guiding bisphosphonate treatment and future research directions. Hopefully, patient management will be further improved as new agents become available such as denosumab, osteoprotegerin analogues and anti-angiogenic agents.