Management of bone metastases

M. Cappuccio, S. Bandiera, L. Babbi, L. Boriani, A. Corghi, L. Amendola, S. Colangeli, S. Terzi, A. Gasbarrini

Department of Oncologic and Degenerative Spine Surgery, Rizzoli Institute, Bologna (Italy)

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• Gastroenterology

Abstract. – Bone metastases are only apparently similar lesions, considering the large varieties of istotypes and the spread of the primary tumour. Although these metastases develop early and are not terminal events, they have to be considered as severe complications. When possible, surgical treatment can improve the history of the patient in terms of life expectancy and quality of life. The approach to these lesions should be multidisciplinary in collaboration with oncologists and radiotherapists. In fact the average of survival of these patients has increased in recent years. The evolution of anesthesiological techniques permits surgical treatments that once were considered prohibitive. The application of new adjuvant therapies increases the effectiveness for surgical treatment. Controversy exists over the most appropriate treatment for patients with bone metastatic disease. The purpose was to determine the best sequential process to arrive at the most appropriate treatment considering the individual general conditions and the parameters of the metastases. As the number of treatment options for metastatic bone disease has grown, it has become clear that effective implementation of these treatments can only be achieved by a multidisciplinary approach.

Corresponding Author: Alessandro Gasbarrini, MD; e-mail: alessandro.gasbarrini@ior.it

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