Nursing Management of Bone Health in Patients With Cancer

STATEMENT OF NEED

Many tumors, such as prostate, breast, lung, and multiple myeloma, affect bone health. Once cancer spreads to the skeletal system, the risk for pain, fractures, hypercalcemia, and nerve compression increases considerably. Several studies have shown that the use of antiresorptive agents such as bisphosphonates and monoclonal antibodies can reduce the morbidity of skeletal complications in patients with cancer and significantly improve quality of life. Combined with preventive measures to reduce bone thinning, early clinical trial results have shown that bone targeting agents can prolong survival in patients with cancer and bone involvement. However, delayed treatment is associated with high morbidity and mortality; therefore, bone health complications in patients with cancer must be promptly recognized and managed.

TARGET AUDIENCE

Oncology nurses, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and other health care professionals involved in the treatment of patients with cancer.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:

1.) Describe patient- and cancer therapy-related risk factors for bone complications
2.) Apply screening recommendations for cancer patients at risk for bone complications
3.) Differentiate nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic strategies to manage bone complications in patients with cancer