[Comprehensive treatment of bone metastases of breast cancer: a clinical analysis of 70 cases].

OBJECTIVE

Bone metastasis is common in breast cancer patients and its main symptom is bone pain. A series of methods were tried to relieve bone pain and to improve quality of life.

METHODS

70 cases of bone metastases of breast cancer were divided into 2 groups and treated with either chemotherapy, radiotherapy, endocrine therapy or isotope therapy alone or in combination.

RESULTS

Endocrine therapy or isotope therapy given alone was more responsive than chemotherapy or radiotherapy alone. When the treatment modalities were used comprehensively, the response rate was 90% as compared to 56.4% in patients given single modality treatment (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Endocrine or isotope therapy given alone is more effective than chemotherapy or radiotherapy alone. Patients positive for estrogen and progesterone receptors, are more suitable for endocrine therapy. Comprehensive treatment is recommended.