Weighing bone-targeted treatment options for patients with solid tumours and skeletal complications from metastatic disease

The complications of metastatic bone disease (MBD) in advanced cancer, especially skeletal-related events (SREs), are a significant cause of morbidity that can seriously impair the quality of patients' lives. Treatments that prevent SREs, reduce or delay the onset of pain and preserve function and activities of daily living are central to good patient care. In this article, we discuss results from clinical trials that show the relative benefits and harms of different bone-targeted agents, which may be given orally, intravenously or subcutaneously. These data, when considered alongside various patient characteristics, can provide oncologists with better opportunities to individualise care. Optimal management with treatments that enhance efficacy and adherence mean that clinicians can improve the outlook for their patients with MBD, who may consequently experience fewer SREs and less pain and enjoy a better overall quality of life.