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Bone Pain is a Common Side Effect of Cancer & Its Treatment

*October 2020*

Bone pain in patients with cancer is commonly caused by cancer cells that have spread to the bones, called bone metastases. Bone pain is commonly the first symptom of bone metastases and may lead to tests that will confirm the diagnosis. Treatment of bone metastases is intended to relieve the pain, reduce the risk of fracture, and prevent or delay additional bone complications. Treatment options for metastases causing bone pain are directed at relieving the pain and preventing the spread of metastases.

Treatment may consist of pain medications, Xgeva (denosumab) and bisphosphonate drugs like Zometa, Strontium89, radiation therapy, and/or surgery. Read more.