Metastatic Bone Disease

This volume is an expanded version of a workshop on bone metastases which was held in Heidelberg, Germany, in April 1993. Bone metastases very often develop from malignant tumours and lead to complications which considerably diminish the quality of life of the patient. Bone pain, pathological fractures, and hypercalcemic syndrome should be recognized and treated early so as to prevent any further morbidity and immobilization. Antiosteolytic substances such as biophosphonate can supplement the established palliative and supportive therapies. Basic researchers and clinicians in pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of metastatic bone disease have contributed to this book, providing an overview of present knowledge and research. The book will be of interest not only to specialists, but also to any physician interested in oncology.