Skeletal system complications of the prostate, bladder and kidney tumors and biphosphonate treatment

Genitourinary system tumors are the most common tumors with bone metastases. Bone metastases are observed in advanced prostate, bladder and kidney cancers. The health-related quality of life is affected significantly in these patients, due to the skeletal-related events. Men who receive androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer are under more risk for osteoporosis. Pathological bone fractures, compression of the spinal cord, requirement of radiotherapy or surgical intervention to bone, and hypercalcemia due to cancer are the skeletal-related events that develop in these patients. In addition to the corrections in living conditions, exercise, reducing smoking and alcohol consumption, and calcium and vitamin D supplements; the biphosphonates have become an indispensible part of the treatment to prevent these events with their benefits demonstrated in various studies in the recent years. Especially zoledronic acid, which is well tolerated with intravenous application, is used both in the treatment of bone metastases and in prevention of skeletal-related events. Currently, biphosphonates are recommended in various treatment guidelines to treat bone metastasis in a variety of cancers.