Radiopharmaceuticals: Present and Future

November 3, 2011|Hematology and Oncology

In cancer patients, bone metastasis is a common complication, with the highest prevalence among breast and prostate cancer patients. Pain is one of the most feared and debilitating cancer-related symptoms, with an incidence of 62%–86%. Pain related to bone metastases constitutes the most frequent type of pain. The objectives of treating bone metastases are to palliate pain, improve quality of life, prolong pain-free survival, and eradicate tumor cells in the bone. Traditional treatment approaches include external beam radiation, orthopedic intervention, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, bisphosphonates, steroids, and radiopharmaceuticals.

Commentary on “Radiopharmaceuticals: When and How to Use Them to Treat Metastatic Bone Pain” by Paes et al. ( page 197)

Conflicts of Interest Disclosures: Both authors have completed and submitted the ICMJE Form for Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest and none were reported.

Correspondence to: Shi-Ming Tu, MD, Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, Unit 1374, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 301439, 1155 Pressler Street, Houston, TX 77230-1439; telephone: (713) 563–7268; fax: (713) 745–1625

Vitae

Drs. Atkinson and Tu are from the Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.

The Journal of Supportive Oncology
Volume 9, Issue 6, November-December 2011, Pages 206-207

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