Metastatic tumours of bone

Metastatic tumours of the bone are tumours that spread to bone from another primary site in the body. Histologically they often resemble the cells of the tumour they originated from. Traditionally the presence of a metastatic bone deposit has been seen as a terminal event; however, with the increased survival of patients with carcinoma and improved treatment, long-term survival is possible with metastatic bone disease and treatment can prolong life, or even be curative. Implants used in reconstruction need to be sufficiently robust to survive the patient, and the expertise of reconstruction available within tertiary bone tumour units is increasingly required. Autopsy studies have shown that 70% of patients with breast and prostate carcinoma develop skeletal metastases. The most commonly involved bone sites are those with persistent red marrow, such as the vertebrae, proximal femur, ribs, sternum, pelvis and skull. The precise mechanism of metastases to bone is unclear. However, the understanding of the molecular biology of metastases is becoming increasingly important in providing new therapeutic targets in their treatment. The types of treatment of metastases include medical treatments, radiotherapy and surgery. Bone metastases can cause many complications and have significant morbidity.