What You Should Know about
Prostate Cancer and Your Bones

In solid tumors‚ such as prostate cancer‚ there is the chance that the cancer will become advanced and spread to the bone. In advanced prostate cancer‚ metastasis to the bone occurs in 65%-75% of patients. While this can be frightening‚ it may help you to understand how bone metastasis damages bones‚ the symptoms it may cause‚ as well as diagnosis procedures and treatment.

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How Bone Metastases Damage Bone

Bone metastases can also cause abnormal bone formation. Areas of new bone form‚ but they are weak and unstable and can break easily or collapse. These areas are called osteoblastic bone lesions.

Symptoms of Bone Metastases

Bone pain is usually the earliest symptom of bone metastases‚ so it’s important to pay attention to how your bones feel. Tell your doctor about any pain you feel‚ even if you think it might be due to some other problem‚ such as arthritis or stiffness from lack of activity‚ a muscle pull or strain. Sometimes‚ a fracture is the first sign of bone damage.

Spinal cord compression–Cancer on your spine—or backbone—can put pressure on the spinal cord and cause intense back pain. Damage to the nerves in the spinal cord can eventually cause paralysis and changes in bladder and bowel functions.

Hypercalcemia–When bones release calcium into the bloodstream in amounts that are dangerous‚ hypercalcemia is the result. This condition may occur with bone metastases due to excessive bone loss. Symptoms of hypercalcemia include nausea‚ vomiting‚ heart palpitations‚ loss of appetite‚ depression‚ and fatigue.

Be sure to talk to your doctor if you develop bone pain or notice any other symptoms that are unusual for you. Print questions you may wish to ask your doctor about cancer and bone health.

Treatment for Patients with Bone Metastases

ZOMETA is a treatment for patients with prostate cancer that has spread to the bones. It may reduce or delay bone fractures or pressure on the spinal cord that can result from bone damage from advanced prostate cancer. ZOMETA can also help patients who already have experienced bone complications. ZOMETA is not chemotherapy and may be used with other cancer treatments‚ such as radiation‚ hormonal therapy‚ or chemotherapy.

ZOMETA is a convenient 15-minute infusion given every 3 to 4 weeks in a doctor’s office or at a clinic.

Ask your doctor about ZOMETA and see if ZOMETA may be right for you.