ROGER WALTZMAN, MD: Bone complications from cancer can occur in really a wide variety of diseases, but the ones that are most commonly affected by bone complications are multiple myeloma, which is like a leukemia of white cells. Also the solid tumors that are most likely to spread to the bone are breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer.
Colorectal cancer is, in addition, a disease that can spread to the bone.
ANNOUNCER: Bone complications happen when cancer interferes with the ability of the body to form new bone.
ROGER WALTZMAN, MD: There are two different cells at work. One called the osteoblast and one called the osteoclast; laying down new bone versus removing old bone. And as the cancer takes up more of the bone, there is less ability for the normal osteoblast to form normal bone. And instead there is increased osteoclastic activity to remove the abnormal bone. Unfortunately, in the process of removing the abnormal bone, what might result is just weakened thin bones. Because you don't have normal bone tissue being laid down.
JESSICA WING: I couldn't really look at the computer for any extended period of time. I could watch television, which is not one of my favorite activities, but I couldn't really walk around a lot because I could not turn my head to look and see if a car was coming. It was really hard to be confined to the house and not have a lot to do. And also being in pain is hard. That was the worst.
ANNOUNCER: When bone complications do occur there are several treatment options including surgery to stabilize bones, radiation for pain control, and bisphosphonate therapy, specifically aimed at strengthening bone. Initially, Jessica had radiation on her neck, but soon after her doctors suggested bisphosphonates.
