Bone metastases continue to be a major cause of morbidity in cancer patients, but improved understanding of the biology of bone metastases has led to the identification of drugs that are of potential value in not only their treatment but also their prevention. This book, written by recognized experts in the field, provides a detailed overview of current knowledge on this subject. One important focus of the book is the efficacy of bisphosphonates in preventing bone metastases in patients with breast, lung, and prostate cancer and disease progression in cases of multiple myeloma. The combined use of bisphosphonates and cytostatics is also discussed, with a report on first clinical data. Further topics addressed include the significance of the bone microenvironment, special issues in the elderly patient, the use of bone turnover markers, and initial findings obtained with denosumab.

Rationale for the prevention of bone metastases: Preclinical models

The role of bone microenvironment, vitamin D and calcium
Bisphosphonates: Prevention of bone metastases in breast cancer
Bisphosphonates: Prevention of bone metastases in lung cancer
Bisphosphonates: Prevention of bone metastases in prostate cancer
Bisphosphonates: Prevention of disease progression in patients with multiple myeloma
Combination of bisphosphonates and cytostatics: Preclinical rationale and first clinical data
Special issues in the elderly patient
Denosumab: First data and ongoing studies on the prevention of bone metastases
Special issues on the use of bone turnover markers
Osteolytic and osteoblastic bone metastases: Two extremes of the same spectrum?