Effectiveness of bisphosphonates on bone pain and quality of life in breast cancer patients with metastatic bone disease: a review

Introduction Almost all patients with breast cancer and bone metastases suffer bone pain. Many receive bisphosphonate therapy only when the pain becomes unbearable or there is a direct threat of skeletal complications. Discussion However, clinical trial data demonstrate that bisphosphonates offer significant and sustained relief from bone pain and can also improve quality of life in patients with metastatic breast cancer. Conclusion Moreover, new treatment schedules using high dose bisphosphonates can offer rapid relief of acute, severe bone pain.