Bone lesions in malignant diseases--II. Therapeutic management.

A pathogenetically based therapeutic strategy and modality for malignant bone diseases has been created only in the last two decades. The most frequent pathogenetic defect, osteoblast/osteoclast uncoupling in the osteolytic foci and the diffuse humoral osteoporosis afford little in terms of choice of treatment which makes the inhibitors of osteoclastic activity the major medicamentous agents for their management. We discuss the mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, preparations and regimens of administration of biphosphonates, calcitonine and galium nitrate.

Bone lesions in malignant diseases--I. Current concepts of major pathogenetic mechanisms and forms.

Bones are among the major parts of the body that are targeted in neoplastic diseases. Bone lesions increasing in number and size and diffuse osteoporosis are found in 30-80% of cancer patients. All literature data about the pathogenetic factors of osteolytic and osteosclerotic bone lesions are classified into four groups: 1.