What are bone metastases?

Cancer can spread from where it starts to other parts of the body. This can happen even when the patient is receiving therapy for the cancer. The process of spreading is called "metastasis." Metastasis occurs when cells from the original tumor break away and travel to other parts of the body. The tumors that develop at these new sites are not new cancers. They are related to the original cancer. These new tumors are called "metastases." Bone metastases occur when the original cancer spreads to bone.

How do bone metastases damage the bone?

Bone metastases wear away portions of the bone, leaving small holes. These holes cause the bone to be weaker and more fragile. Occasionally bone metastases cause the build up of abnormal bone. This new, abnormal bone is weak and unstable. In both cases, the bone metastases have weakened the bone and made it more prone to break or collapse. Because of this, one of the most common complications of bone metastases is a broken bone (also called a bone fracture). Bone surgery may be needed to treat a fracture or to stabilize a weak area to prevent a fracture.

Are bone metastases painful?

Bone metastases may cause bone pain. If you are experiencing bone pain, talk to your doctor.

What is hypercalcemia of malignancy?

Hypercalcemia of malignancy means that there is too much calcium in the blood. Hypercalcemia of malignancy may occur with bone metastases, due to excessive bone loss. The symptoms of hypercalcemia of malignancy include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, depression, and fatigue. If you have any of these symptoms, you should discuss them with your doctor.

Are there other complications from bone metastases?

Studies have shown that in 5% of patients bone metastases cause a collapse of the spinal cord. This is called spinal cord compression. It can result in pain, weakness, and may progress to paralysis (the inability to move around).

Why is my doctor recommending ZOMETA for bone metastases?

ZOMETA is a member of a class of drugs called bisphosphonates. ZOMETA may help slow down the damage from bone metastases, reducing the risk of bone complications. Your doctor is recommending ZOMETA to reduce your risk of bone fracture, hypercalcemia of malignancy, and spinal cord compression.

How can ZOMETA help when I already have bone metastases?

ZOMETA helps restore the normal process of building bone, thus reducing the chance of bone complications. Even patients that have already had complications, such as bone fracture, radiation, or bone surgery, can be helped by treatment with ZOMETA. In these cases, ZOMETA may reduce the risk of additional complications.