Epidemiology and clinical features of bone metastases

The actual improvement of epidemiologic database collection concerning bone metastases of solid tumors allows us to better understand the seriousness of this evolution, its human, social and financial burden. A renewal of interest appeared with a better screening of the asymptomatic forms and by the therapeutic advances obtained by bone resorption inhibitors. They were developed in clinical trials with a specific and original methodology evaluating their efficacy on the skeletal-related events (SRE) (pain, fracture, spinal cord compression, pathologic fracture and hypercalcemia). It is a major concern for the clinician, whatever his specialization (medical oncology, radiotherapist, surgeon, supportive care expert), to recognize these SRE for an early diagnosis and treatment since they are, with the primary tumor, the most important prognostic factors for patient's survival.