What Are Bisphosphonates For Metastatic Cancer?

Bisphosphonates are drugs that are specially designed to affect certain types of tumors. Tumors that develop into the bone and the pain caused by such development are treated using bisphosphonates.

In more details, when a tumor spreads into the bone, it alters the regular activity of the cells. These drugs treat them by slowing down the progress of the tumor which in turn slows down the rate at which the tumor wears down the bone. This drug is very useful in lessening the pain in such cases and helps keep the bone from crumbling.

Bisphosphonates work extremely well in pain and keeping the bone intact. However, it may cause a few side effects. Side effects may include pain felt in the abdomen, formation of gas inside the stomach and heartburn. It can also cause queasiness, diarrhea and even constipation. Some patients have also reported suffering from flu like symptoms such as muscle pain and headache.

In very rare cases, bisphosphonates may cause a few drastic side effects. Until now, only two have been reported. Treatment using bisphosphonates may result in slower bone growth in other areas and may also cause greater pain to be felt in the bone. However they will depend on the dosage of the medication.