Clinically available evaluation of bone disease in breast cancer--validity and cost effectiveness.

Bone metastases present major clinical challenges to oncologists. They are common, require a variety of palliative treatments and are associated with a decline in quality of life. Diagnosis and assessment currently rely principally on the structural consequences of metastatic bone involvement. In this review, imaging techniques, biochemical markers bone metabolism. Subjective and quality of life assessments and marrow markers are discussed and their place in diagnosis and monitoring of response to treatment considered.