Incidence, consequences and treatment of bone metastases in breast cancer patients Experience from a single cancer centre

Background: There is a paucity of literature about the benefits of bone-targeted agents for breast cancer patients with bone metastases treated in the non-trial setting. We explored the incidence, consequences, and treatment of bone metastases at a single cancer centre. Methods: Electronic records of metastatic breast cancer patients were reviewed and pertinent information was extracted. Results: Of 264 metastatic breast cancer patients, 195 (73%) cleveloped bone metastases. Of these patients, 176 were eligible for analysis. Median age at bone metastases diagnosis was 56.9 years (lQR 48-67) and initial presentation of bone metastases included asymptomatic radiological findings (58%), bone pain (40%), or a SRE (12.5), Most patients (88%) received a bone-targeted agent, starting a median of 1.5 months (lQR 0.8-3.30) after bone metastasis diagnosis. 62% of patients had >= 1 SRE. The median time from bone metastasis diagnosis to first SRE was 1.8 months (IQR 0.20-8.43 months). Median number of SREs per patient was 1.5 (IQR 0-3). Overall, 26.8% of all SREs were clinically asymptomatic. Within the entire cohort, 51% required opioids and 20% were hospitalized due to either an SRE or bone pain. Conclusions: Despite extensive use of bone-targeted agents, the incidence of SREs remains high. Nearly half of SREs occur prior to starting a bone-targeted agent. Use of opioids and hospitalizations secondary to bone metastases remain common. More effective treatment options are clearly needed. (C) 2013 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.